Women’s violence support center opens in İskeçe

The “Zoi Dalaklidou” Women’s Violence Survivors Counseling Center, funded through the Eastern Macedonia–Thrace 2021–2027 Program, was officially inaugurated yesterday in İskeçe.

The opening coincided with 25 November International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and was carried out under the auspices of the Eastern Macedonia–Thrace (EMT) Regional Administration. The center was established with a budget of €344,250.

Speaking at the ceremony, EMT Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis emphasized that İskeçe is one of the two cities in the region where such a service did not previously exist.

“By financing the establishment of the İskeçe Counseling Center, we have addressed an important need in protecting women from gender-based violence. For us, social policy is not simply part of a development plan; it is the core of our mission,”

Topsidis said, noting that the region is implementing a comprehensive €15 million program to strengthen social structures and services for women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

Topsidis outlined the region’s initiatives for the protection of women:

Funding two new Women’s Counseling Centers in İskeçe and Drama

Ensuring continued operation of centers in Dedeağaç, Gümülcine, and Kavala

Securing sustainability for the Gümülcine Shelter, the region’s only Women’s Safe House

Establishing the EMT Gender Equality Commission to support anti-violence partnerships, outreach, and awareness programs

The “Zoi Dalaklidou” Counseling Center will operate as part of the nationwide network overseen by the General Secretariat for Gender Equality, offering psychosocial support, legal counseling, information services, and referral assistance. The center’s operations will be supervised by the Research Centre for Gender Equality (KETHI).

The opening ceremony was attended by İskeçe Deputy Regional Governor Polixeni Brika, Gender Equality Commission President and regional council member Vasiliki Pavlakaki, mountain region and intercultural development official Salih Yörük, community services and vulnerable groups official İbrahim Amuçka, and development planning official Fatih İsmailko.