The Samandağ Gastronomi Köyü Project, launched following the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes, is carried out through the cooperation of Diageo Turkey, Oxfam, KEDV (Foundation for the Support of Women’s Work), the Samandağ Women’s Cooperative, and the Samandağ Municipality. The primary goal of the project is to increase the participation of women in social and economic life and to support local development.

Within the project, under the Learning for Life program, multifaceted training is provided in areas such as hospitality, accommodation, hygiene, budgeting, finance, and cook’s apprenticeship. Since May 2024, more than 250 female participants have started working in private enterprises, established their own businesses, or begun generating income through home production thanks to these training sessions.

Among the participants, Eliz Kalaycıoğlu, who initially joined the training as an observer, is now preparing to realize her dream of starting her own business with the products she offers for sale at bazaars. Selcan Kabağan, despite having no professional background in gastronomy, stepped into entrepreneurship through the training and added a nursery inside the café she opened, meeting the diverse needs of guests under one roof.

The project continues to contribute to regional development by offering women’s solidarity, education, and economic empowerment together.