Financial Grants Empower Entrepreneurs with Disabilities in Türkiye

50-year-old Azize has made Mersin her home since 1996, moving in search of better livelihood opportunities. When she first arrived, she faced many difficulties due to loneliness, the lack of resources, and her disability. The days passed slowly, as she could not find anything to do. One day, she met a fellow woman with disability, and they became friends spending time together in a neighbourhood park. 

Over time, Azize formed a circle of friends, many of whom were also women with disabilities. Their discussions varied about the challenges they faced and their hopes for the future. Azize thought about establishing an association that would bring them together and strengthen their voice.  

“I realized that we could use our collective strength to make a real difference,” she recalled. After months of work and planning, she succeeded in establishing the Mersin Ortopedik Engelliler Derneği (Mersin Association for People with Physical Disabilities). She and her associates began using a small building in the middle of the park, given by the municipality, as a centre for their gatherings. 

Considering the association's limited resources, Azize pondered how the association members could benefit from each other. Given her passion for textiles and the large amount of material waste she observed, she thought, “We have large amount of unused materials around us. Why not transform them into something valuable and create opportunities for everyone?” 

This led her and her association down the path of starting a business in textile.  

Starting the association with seven women, Azize and her colleagues faced tough challenges due their disabilities and the lack of the suitable equipment. Initially, they relied on old sewing machines to produce handmade items, like baby toys made from unused socks and bags crafted from ripped jeans. They sold these products to friends and relatives, who in turn helped market them at neighbourhood fairs. 

Contrary to the belief that using sewing machines is unsuitable for people with disabilities, Azize and her association members demonstrated otherwise — that they too can start their own businesses and contribute to society. For example, Azize successfully taught a member with limited hand use how to operate a sewing machine and produce various textile products. 

When she learned from her friends about the International Organization for Migration (IOM)’s support to small enterprises, Azize saw an opportunity to develop her own business. She applied for the programme and was successful. purchasing three automatic sewing machines for her workshop. 

“After receiving the grant, our production increased, and we interact more with our customers”, says Azize. “Automatic machines have saved us time and effort, and we no longer need to move around the workshop to complete a product. I feel proud to be meeting people’s demands and contributing to society.” 

Bengisu Gorgun, a member of IOM's livelihoods team, highlights that assisting people with disabilities like Azize not only empowers them but also strengthens entire communities. 

“Azize's leadership within an organization dedicated to people with disabilities ensures that the benefits of this support extend far beyond her alone, creating a ripple effect that positively influences many others.” 

Starting out with three machines, Azize aims to expand the workshop and employ more people with disabilities within the textile sector. Now actively selling a range of products, like recycled denim bags, bed covers, and small rabbits, Azize and her colleagues are attracting more customers. This increased demand has led to a busy schedule of meetings, where Azize exchanges and trades products, fostering strong and meaningful connections with customers while driving the growth of her program. 

“These meetings are not just an exchange of products; they are an opportunity to create strong and meaningful bonds between us and other members of the community,” she explains. 

Azize and the association show that, through collaborative efforts, it is possible to empower people with disabilities, tap new opportunities and build their independence. Despite the challenges they have faced, they are not only changing perceptions but also opening doors for others to follow in their footsteps. 

More than anything, Azize has a vision: “I want to continue this journey in the textile industry by creating our own brand and displaying to the world what people with disabilities are capable of.” 

IOM's support to Azize and Mersin Ortopedik Engelliler Dernegi was made possible with funding from the the United States Government. 

Written by Enver Muhammed, IOM Türkiye Communications Specialist