İdris lives with his family in Mardin and spends much of his day working in agriculture to support their household. For many years, he regarded work outside the home as his responsibility, while household chores and the children’s daily care were mostly considered his wife’s responsibility.
Participating in Social and Behaviour Change sessions delivered as part of the Inclusive Multisectoral Support for Children, Adolescents and Caregivers in Southeast Türkiye Project, implemented by the Development Foundation of Türkiye in cooperation with UNICEF Türkiye, encouraged İdris to reconsider these long-established roles within his family.
During the sessions, participants discussed the sharing of responsibilities, communication between spouses, mutual understanding and relationships with children. Following these discussions, İdris says he came to understand more clearly that his role in family life extended beyond providing for the household.
Over time, this awareness began to translate into tangible changes in the family’s daily life. İdris now helps wash the dishes, tidy the house and clean the carpets. While his wife prepares the meal, he sets the table, and whenever his schedule allows, he takes their children to school.
Sharing responsibilities is not limited to work inside the home. As İdris helps lighten the household workload, his wife joins him in agricultural work when possible. This mutual support has further strengthened cooperation and the bond between family members.
İdris also says that the sessions helped him better understand the importance of communication between spouses. He believes that when tension arises, one person remaining calm, listening to one another and discussing problems constructively can contribute to a more peaceful family environment.
Respect for differences, another topic addressed during the sessions, is also reflected in İdris’s conversations with his children. He teaches them that persons with disabilities should not face discrimination or ridicule and should be supported when needed. He believes it is important for children to learn to respect differences from an early age.
The change that began within İdris’s family has gradually extended to the people around them. İdris shares the knowledge and experiences he gained during the sessions with relatives and members of his community, encouraging them to participate in similar activities. His wife also says that people around them have responded positively to the sessions and have noticed the changes in their family life.
İdris’s experience demonstrates how reconsidering long-established family roles can lead to small but meaningful changes in everyday life. Setting the table, taking the children to school or listening to one another during a disagreement can all contribute to a more supportive family environment in which responsibilities do not fall on one person alone.
Through its activities implemented in cooperation with UNICEF Türkiye, the Development Foundation of Türkiye continues to strengthen parents’ and caregivers’ knowledge and skills in family communication, shared responsibility, inclusion and positive parenting.
The photographs featured in this article were taken and published with the informed consent of the children’s parents or legal caregivers. The images were selected and used with due regard for the children’s privacy, safety, dignity and best interests.
Serhat Irmak - Communication Officer