Women's Groups

🙋🏻‍♀️Women’s Groups & Organisations in Northern Cyprus: A Complete Guide

♀️Why Women’s Organisations Matter in Northern Cyprus

Across Northern Cyprus, women’s groups and organisations play a central role in building stronger communities. From grassroots clubs in villages to university research centres in Famagusta, these groups promote gender equality, support survivors of violence, and provide opportunities for education and entrepreneurship.

In 2021, the Northern Cyprus Women’s Organisations Network was launched, bringing together dozens of associations under one umbrella to collaborate and strengthen their impact. This shows the increasing importance of women’s empowerment initiatives in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Whether you are a local resident, student, expat, or visitor, joining or supporting these organisations can be a rewarding way to make a positive difference.
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👩🏻Key Women’s Organisations in Northern Cyprus

📍Turkish Cypriot Association of University Women (TCAUW)

The Turkish Cypriot Association of University Women is one of the oldest and most respected women’s organisations in Northern Cyprus. It focuses on:

🙋🏻‍♀️ Education and training for women.
🙋🏻‍♀️ Scholarships for young female students.
🙋🏻‍♀️ EU-funded empowerment and equality projects.

This organisation is a great entry point if you’re looking to connect with professional women, academics, and equality advocates.
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📍KAYAD — Association of Women to Support Living

KAYAD (Kadından Yaşama Destek Derneği) provides critical services and advocacy in Northern Cyprus. Its mission is centred on:

🙋🏻‍♀️ Preventing violence against women through awareness campaigns.
🙋🏻‍♀️ Offering support services and counselling for survivors.
🙋🏻‍♀️ Promoting social awareness around gender equality.

If you’re passionate about social change, KAYAD is one of the most active NGOs in the field.
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📍Eastern Mediterranean University — Center for Women’s Studies (CWS)

The Center for Women’s Studies (CWS) at EMU in Famagusta was the first academic institution in Northern Cyprus dedicated to women’s issues. It conducts research, organises conferences, and runs public lectures on:

🙋🏻‍♀️ Women’s health and reproductive rights.
🙋🏻‍♀️ Gender in education and the workplace.
🙋🏻‍♀️ Cross-community collaborations with Greek Cypriot organisations.

Students, researchers, and community members can all take part in the centre’s projects.
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📍Local Women’s Clubs & Associations

Beyond the NGOs and academic centres, there are also vibrant local women’s groups that bring communities together. Some examples include:

🙋🏻‍♀️ Akova Women’s Association — focuses on cultural activities and vocational training.
🙋🏻‍♀️ Inner Wheel Clubs — part of an international women’s organisation, hosting charity and networking events in Northern Cyprus.
🙋🏻‍♀️ Cyprus International Women of Today (CIWOT) — a network of expat and local women organising fundraisers and community events.

These groups are perfect if you’re looking for social connection and practical volunteering opportunities.
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🚨Current Priorities of Women’s Organisations in Northern Cyprus

Women’s groups in Northern Cyprus address a wide variety of issues. Some of their most active focus areas include:

🔪 Ending violence against women — through public awareness campaigns, hotlines, and advocacy for stronger legal protections.

✊ Economic empowerment — supporting women entrepreneurs, providing training, and creating opportunities for income generation.

🩺 Health and research — running educational events on women’s health, reproductive rights, and access to healthcare services.

🕊️ Peacebuilding and civic engagement — organising bi-communal projects that bring Turkish and Greek Cypriot women together.

These priorities align Northern Cyprus with broader European and international efforts on gender equality.
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📌How to Get Involved in Women’s Organisations in Northern Cyprus

If you’re inspired to support or join one of these groups, here are some practical steps:

🤝 Identify your interest — Do you want to volunteer, donate, research, or simply join social activities?

🤝 Reach out to umbrella networks — The Northern Cyprus Women’s Organisations Network or EMU’s CWS can point you to suitable opportunities.

🤝 Attend local events — Charity bazaars, seminars, and awareness walks are open to the public.

🤝 Offer your skills — Many organisations need help with social media, translation, event management, or fundraising.

🤝 Support student initiatives — University centres often run research projects where volunteers and community feedback are welcomed.
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📝Tips for Visitors and Expats

• Language matters: While many organisations operate in Turkish, English speakers are often welcomed.
• Learning a few basic Turkish phrases will help.
• Be culturally sensitive: Politics and identity are sensitive topics. Focus on shared humanitarian goals.
• Offer time, not just money: Local groups value skills like communication, design, and planning just as much as financial support.

These small considerations make it easier to connect meaningfully with the women’s groups of Northern Cyprus.
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🎉Event & Outreach Ideas for Women’s Groups

If you’re involved in organising events or want to suggest ideas, here are a few that work well locally:

• Pop-up artisan markets — supporting women entrepreneurs and showcasing handmade crafts.
• Health & wellness weeks — offering free screenings and information sessions.
• Cross-community storytelling nights — sharing experiences of women from different parts of Cyprus.
• University-community research cafés — where students and locals exchange insights on women’s issues.
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🔗Useful Resources & Links

• Northern Cyprus Women’s Organisations Network
• Turkish Cypriot Association of University Women
• Eastern Mediterranean University – Center for Women’s Studies
• KAYAD – Association of Women to Support Living
• Cyprus Women’s Lobby (island-wide network)
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🌸Final Thoughts: Building a Stronger Future Together

Women’s groups and organisations in Northern Cyprus are creating opportunities, raising awareness, and providing support where it is needed most. By joining their initiatives—whether as a volunteer, a researcher, a donor, or simply as a participant—you become part of a network working toward equality and empowerment.

These organisations are more than NGOs; they are spaces of hope, progress, and community. If you’re living in or visiting Northern Cyprus, getting involved is one of the best ways to make a meaningful impact.