WOMEN’S LABOUR TAKES CENTRE STAGE AT HISTORIC GÜVERCİNADA

The fashion show entitled ‘A Thousand Efforts in a Single Stitch’, held at Güvercinada (Pigeon Island) Castle, provided the setting for an unforgettable evening where women’s labour met art. Organised by the Kuşadası Women’s Platform, chaired by Duygu Gül Günel, the event showcased the handcrafted products of women artisans living in Kuşadası, Davutlar and Güzelçamlı.

The clothes and bags, meticulously crafted over months, were showcased on the runway this time by the women producers themselves, rather than professional models. The women's self-confidence, hard work, and stage presence received great applause from the audience.

One of the most striking parts of the fashion show was the presentation by the young girls who took the stage under the name "Atatürk's Daughters." İlayda Gürel, Alara Gürel, and İrem Çelik's walk, featuring knitted Turkish flag capes, received high praise from the audience.

Another special presentation was the "Tüllüşahkar" collection, inspired by the Tüllüşah, a protected endemic flower of Kuşadası. The special designs, showcased on the runway by Ülkü Baykal, Meliha Fırat, Nuran Demir, and Zehra Atay, received a long-standing ovation.

"WOMEN'S PRODUCTIVITY IS A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE WORLD."

Speaking at the event, Kuşadası Deputy Mayor Ayşegül Dağlı drew attention to the importance of women's labour in social development. Beginning her speech with the words, "The level of civilization of a good society is measured by the place of women in society and the value given to them," Ayşegül Dağlı stated that they have been actively working on projects for women and children for approximately two years. She added that preparations for the fashion show began about nine months ago, and that the women had reached this point through patience and hard work.

At the end of her speech, Ayşegül Dağlı, recalling Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's words, "Everything we see on Earth is the work of women," also mentioned Mayor Ömer Günel, who is currently imprisoned in Silivri, saying, "I wish Mayor Ömer could be with us today. I believe he will return to us as soon as possible."

“WE HAVE BROUGHT OUR WOMEN’S HARD WORK TO THE PEOPLE OF KUŞADASI”

Duygu Gül Günel, Honorary President of the Kuşadası Women’s Initiative, stated in her speech that they had been working alongside women living in Kuşadası and its surrounding neighbourhoods for a long time. Duygu Günel stated that the clothing and bags, meticulously prepared by women, were showcased to the public through the fashion show, adding that the organization was both educational and income-generating. Duygu Gül Günel thanked all the women involved.

“THERE ARE NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE THIS HARD WORK”

In his speech at the end of the fashion show, Tahsin Demirtaş, Acting Mayor of Kuşadası, noted that his mother had taught sewing and embroidery for 22 years, adding that the event held a special significance for him. Describing the fashion show as “simply magnificent”, Demirtaş emphasised that the labour put in by the women was of inestimable value. Noting that having the items displayed by their creators made the event even more meaningful, Demirtaş thanked all the women.