n İzmir, women have turned newly acquired skills into employment, confidence and a stronger sense of belonging in their community. More than 200 participants have received direct support through the Golden Needle – Altın İğne project, and over 100 have found work. The training infrastructure created through the project continues to serve women beyond its original grant period—transforming a time-limited initiative into lasting local opportunity.
Golden Needle was developed by the Rotary Club of İzmir-Dokuz Eylül, District 2440, with the Rotary Club of Chatswood Roseville, District 9685, Australia, as its international partner. The US$71,050 Global Grant project (GG2236510) supports Rotary’s area of focus of Community Economic Development.
Its purpose was not simply to provide training, but to create a practical pathway from learning to employment. Working with the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Vocational Factory and the Aegean Clothing Manufacturers Association, the project brought together suitable training spaces, professional instructors, modern equipment and direct connections with employers in the garment industry.
Three training centres were planned to prepare approximately 150 women each year, with a target of at least 40% entering employment. Eighty-seven per cent of the grant budget was invested in machinery and equipment, building capacity that could remain within the community.
The early results exceeded the employment target. Of the first 44 women who completed the programme, 21 found work. By 1 January 2024, 159 women had graduated and 79 had been employed by companies connected to the industry association—almost half of all graduates at that stage.
The participants also used their developing skills to produce 3,900 items of clothing for babies and children, most of which were provided to people affected by the February 2023 earthquakes. Their learning therefore created value for other families even before the women completed their courses.
At the first graduation ceremony in August 2023, certificates were presented by then Mayor of İzmir Tunç Soyer, alongside District 2440 Governor Ayda Özeren and project partners.
Golden Needle demonstrates how belonging can be built through meaningful participation. The women were not passive recipients of assistance: they became skilled professionals, earners and contributors. With training continuing in İzmir and the model later extended to earthquake-affected Adıyaman, the project’s strongest legacy is a sustainable pathway through which more women can shape their own futures.