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WALA sources valuable rose oil for WALA medicines and apricot kernels for Dr. Hauschka Skin Care from long-term cultivation partnerships in Turkey. Instead of giving gifts to partners at the turn of the year, WALA is supporting BHRTR with a donation.
Photo: WALA / Gina Gorny
Dr Çımrın, what motivated BHRTR to get involved in the Adıyaman region?
Our involvement in Adıyaman initially stemmed from the overwhelming need to address the immediate and long-term challenges faced by the communities affected by the earthquake. Adıyaman was one of the cities that were unfortunate in that help didn’t reach them at all, or only reached them after a lengthy delay, leaving its residents to face the immediate aftermath of the disaster with limited resources and support.
Beyond the physical toll, the region faced and still continues to face systemic issues caused by disaster-related displacement, such as significant psychosocial challenges. They include elevated rates of domestic violence, child protection risks and a lack of safe communal spaces. Recognising the vulnerability of specific groups – women, children, the elderly and individuals with disabilities – we were compelled to act.
Consequently, one of the first actions you took was to set up a safe space for these vulnerable groups. A ‘safe space’ is a place where individuals can feel secure and free from emotional or physical harm such as discrimination, criticism or harassment. How do you manage to create these spaces in this specific environment?
Creating safe spaces for the listening circles requires a thoughtful and deliberate approach to ensure participants feel secure and supported. The primary objective is to foster an environment where individuals can openly share their emotions and experiences without fear of judgment.
The creation of these spaces relies heavily on the training and expertise of facilitators. Each facilitator receives comprehensive training, which provides practical strategies for building trust, encouraging open communication and addressing potential challenges during the sessions.
DFacilitators are trained to navigate the complexities of trauma with sensitivity, ensuring that every participant feels heard and valued and fostering a respectful and inclusive atmosphere. The structured format helps participants process their trauma constructively and develop a deeper understanding of their own emotions.
Many participants express relief and gratitude for having a safe space to share their experiences. They report feeling lighter, more connected and more resilient. The sessions also foster a sense of community, as participants build supportive relationships that often extend beyond the programme.
Dr Çiğdem Çımrın is the Co-Founder and Chairperson of BHRTR. One of their primary goals is to conduct educational sessions on crucial topics such as children’s rights, gender-based violence, disability inclusion and access to essential services like healthcare and education.
Photo: BHRTR
The trained moderators obviously play a demanding and sensitive role in an environment that is often unable to meet people’s basic needs. What strategies do you pursue to bridge this gap?
The earthquake left deep scars, not only in the physical landscape but also in the emotional and social fabric of the region. Recognising this, we prioritised creating environments where individuals, particularly women and children, could feel safe to process their trauma and begin the journey toward healing. Establishing these spaces required significant groundwork, including needs assessments, community engagement and logistical planning. Doing so, however, was far from straightforward and presented several challenges. Initially, building trust within the community was a significant hurdle.
It took consistent effort, including one-on-one engagement and outreach, to reassure individuals that these safe spaces were judgment-free zones designed for their well-being. It is also critical to note the emotional and psychological challenges faced by our own team. Working closely with individuals who had endured significant trauma required immense empathy, resilience and professionalism.
How did the contact with WALA regarding the involvement in Adıyaman come about?
Our collaboration with WALA emerged through our shared commitment to disaster response and human rights advocacy. Building on our previous relationship with different crop harvests, the idea was to maximise our impact and have an effect on areas that had been left out. Both organisations identified overlapping goals in Adıyaman – fostering safe spaces, promoting psychosocial well-being and addressing immediate humanitarian needs. Through discussions, we aligned our efforts to build a cohesive response strategy tailored to the unique needs of the region. We are very thankful to have a partner like WALA.
BHRTR provides children with the opportunity to spend time together in a safe environment, allowing them to play and develop naturally.
Photo: BHRTR
Can you elaborate on the positive impact of your work? Specifically, how does it benefit individuals directly, and what are some of the broader, long-term effects that you aim to achieve through your endeavours?
Our work has a multifaceted positive impact on participants’ lives and their broader communities. At its core, the listening circles help individuals process trauma, build emotional resilience and develop a renewed sense of agency and hope. But beyond individual transformation, the bonds formed within the groups create informal networks of mutual support that persist even after the sessions have concluded. These connections play a critical role in fostering a sense of belonging and community resilience, as participants share what they have learned and their coping strategies with their families, friends and neighbours.
Children, who participate in parallel sessions, also benefit immensely. The creative activities they engage in help them navigate their emotions, develop confidence and improve their ability to communicate effectively. By addressing the needs of both women and children simultaneously, the programme creates a ripple effect that positively influences family dynamics and community interactions.
What motivates you to stick with this approach? Where do you find the strength to get involved?
Our strength comes from both the resilience of the communities we work with and the collective effort of our team. What motivates us to stay committed is the impact we witness on the lives of those we serve. Seeing participants transform – finding their voices, rebuilding their emotional resilience, and fostering meaningful connections – reminds us why this work matters. The gratitude and feedback we receive from individuals who feel heard, understood and supported in ways they haven’t experienced before is an ongoing source of inspiration.
On a personal level, the belief that small acts of empathy and connection can create ripples of positive change sustains our drive. I always say, one is indeed bigger than zero. Each story of healing, every connection formed and every moment of shared understanding serves as a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, progress is possible.
TEXT: Rosa Thomas
