Health Mediators Take to the Field to Prevent Early Marriages in Izmir
The Health Mediator Model, launched in cooperation with Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and UNFPA, will direct individuals at risk to services.
In cooperation with Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Health Mediator Model is being implemented to prevent early and forced marriages.
Field Studies Begin in Pilot Regions
The Health Mediator Model, initiated in line with the cooperation between Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and the United Nations Population Fund, is being implemented with the goal of preventing early and forced marriages. The activities, coordinated by the Urban Justice and Equality Branch Directorate, will be implemented in the Basmane region as well as the Ferahlı and Ulubatlı neighborhoods.
Distribution of Duties for Trained Mediators
Prior to the field study, comprehensive training was provided by UNFPA trainers to Health Mediators consisting of citizens. These mediators will early on identify children and families in regions with intense socioeconomic inequalities and direct them to appropriate services.
A Bridge of Trust Between Institutions
Rather than assuming a supervisory role, Health Mediators will act as a trust-based bridge between the community and public institutions. By communicating with families, awareness will be raised about the consequences of child marriage, and individuals will be informed about their rights.
The Project is Planned to Spread Citywide
Elmas Köçkün, a trainer at the Urban Justice and Equality Branch Directorate, stated that the model was launched as a pilot in disadvantaged neighborhoods receiving immigration. Following a three-day training, the field activities are then targeted to be expanded across the entire city.