Turkish women's shelter, Mor Cati, calls for government support

"The Istanbul Governor's office issued a notice two weeks ago to our personnel at the shelter saying that due to a lack of money they are not going to work with Mor Cati as of 31st December," Mor Cati said in a statement.

 

Istanbul's Beyoglu Administrative District signed a protocol with Mor Cati to open and run a women's shelter together in September 2005 and the financial aid was provided by the World Bank.

 

Mor Cati, which provides women and children in need with shelter and vital services such as access to psychologists and doctors through their assistance of volunteers, was forced to find its own financial resources after the World Bank's funding ended in 2006.

 

"We held meetings with the Governor of Istanbul’s Office and the authorities of its Mutual Aid and Relief Foundation, and Nimet Cubukcu, the Minister of State. They all understood the importance of a women’s shelter but could not surmount the issue of resources," the statement added.

 

There is a need for permanent steps in the fight to end violence against women rather then just undertaking projects, Mor Cati said, and it is important to run the women’s shelter in line with international standards, and not only provide temporary accommodation.