Sustainable Living Association for Women Youth and Climate Change

The Sustainable Living Association for Women, Youth, and Climate Change (KAGIS) is a newly established NGO based in Mersin, Türkiye, a city that has been affected by the recent earthquakes and has a high population of refugees representing 10% of its population. KAGIS is a new organization; however, it has been established by seasoned civil society activists and experienced experts on the basis of their previous involvement in EU-funded projects in the areas of human rights, gender equality, and climate change adaptation. The association operates in the sustainability, social justice, and civil society empowerment interphase in an effort to make the world a better place for everyone. KAGIS adopts a rights-based approach in the promotion of education, policy advocacy, and community engagement for marginalized groups. The organization works with local, national, and international partners to create positive social and environmental change. The key target groups of KAGIS are women, youth, Syrian and other refugees, and internally displaced people due to recent earthquakes. KAGIS engages in the following key activities in the following categories: 1. Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality: a. Organizing training programs on gender rights, legal literacy, and economic empowerment. b. Advocating for gender-sensitive policies to combat violence against women and labor market discrimination. c. Supporting social entrepreneurship and skills training for women in sustainable employment sectors. 2. Youth Participation and Economic Inclusion: a. Implementing vocational training programs to reduce youth unemployment and skill mismatches. b. Promoting youth civic engagement through leadership training and social activism. c. Facilitating access to decent jobs, social entrepreneurship, and employment pathways for young people, especially NEET youth. 3. Climate Change Adaptation and Environmental Sustainability: a. Conducting climate literacy workshops for communities affected by environmental degradation. b. Supporting sustainable agriculture, renewable energy adoption, and disaster resilience strategies. c. Engaging women, youth, and displaced communities in climate justice and eco-friendly livelihood programs. 4. Refugee and IDP Inclusion: a. Providing legal and social assistance to Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). b. Enhancing access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for displaced communities. c. Implementing social cohesion initiatives that foster interaction between refugees and host communities. 5. Policy Advocacy and International Collaboration: a. Partnering with local, national, and international stakeholders to contribute to policies on climate resilience, gender equality, and social inclusion. b. Engaging in EU networks and alliances to exchange best practices and develop transnational initiatives. c. Contributing to research and policy dialogues that amplify the voices of marginalized groups in decision-making processes.