ABSTRACT
This chapter examines several training programs offered by Non-governmental organizations in different regions of the country, some in partnership with the government, and should provide an insight into the nature of how 'women's empowerment' was understood and applied in Turkey. The concept of 'empowerment' started to become more popular after the Beijing Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995 since the Conference documents had declared the empowerment of women and gender equality as a prerequisite to achieving political, social, economic, cultural and environmental security of all people. Strategies for empowerment can also be conceived in terms of taking care of practical and strategic gender needs. The goals and structure of the Contemporary Women and Youth Foundation bear many similarities to the Kemalist, service-oriented organizations that serve women's practical needs. Mother Child Education Foundation, established in 1993, focuses on both women and children, and works with women from lower socio-economic groups.
