Sıla, a 27-year-old mother of four, was born and raised in Savur, Mardin. She has devoted much of her life to her family.“Because I got married at a young age, I never had the opportunity to pursue a profession” says Sıla. But that never meant she gave up on her dreams.
Following the training, Sıla received a grant from the Development Foundation of Türkiye (DFT), enabling her to start her own poultry business with 150 chickens. The support marked not only the beginning of a new source of income, but also a significant emotional and social transformation.
“Because I have young children, I couldn’t work outside the home. I applied to this project so I could take care of my children while also running my own business.”
Today, Sıla collects around 60 eggs a day, earning 700–800 TL on good days. “Before, when my children asked for something, I couldn’t always afford to buy it. Now, when I sell a tray of eggs, I earn 200 TL. I’m making my own money.”
Her children quickly embraced the new routine. Spending time with the chickens has become both fun and educational for them. Sıla says their love for animals has grown, and every morning they head to the coop together before anything else “They’ve even given the chickens names. We collect the eggs together. Producing something together in our garden has brought us even closer as a family.”
She now sells her eggs to the food community supported by DFT. The safe and healthy eggs produced in her garden are receiving great interest from consumers. Demand continues to grow every day.
“At first, I kept asking myself, ‘Can I really do this?’ But now I feel like my own boss.”
Sıla’s greatest wish is to inspire other women to believe in themselves:
“Being a woman is difficult, but we must never give up. I’m also setting an example for my children. Life can be hard, but no matter their age, women should never give up on their dreams.”
Today, Sıla is a symbol of hard work, determination, and courage. As DFT and WHH, we are proud to stand alongside many women like her.
*The name of our participant has been changed to protect her privacy.
Communication Expert - Şerif ARSLAN