A special panel and photography exhibition for World Women Farmers Day – October 15

Bornova Municipality celebrated World Women Farmers Day with the theme “We sow hope for the future with our women.” The event featured a panel discussion and a photography exhibition highlighting the power of women in agriculture. Participants shared their experiences, and the documentary “The Female Face of Abundance” was screened. Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized the importance of women’s labor in production, underlining that the Urban Gardens Project strengthens both solidarity and sustainability.

Held at Şahin Tepesi Multi-Purpose Hall in Evka-4, the event focused on women’s role in agriculture, sustainable production, and solidarity. Before the panel, attendees watched “The Female Face of Abundance,” a documentary featuring Bornova’s women farmers, followed by an exhibition of portraits showcasing their stories.

Mayor Eşki: “With women’s labor, we nurture both the soil and the future”

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki highlighted the transformative power of women in production:

“With women’s labor, we nurture both the soil and the future. Our Urban Gardens project has become a model that not only supports production but also strengthens solidarity. Bornova, which blossoms with the efforts of women farmers, will continue to be an example of sustainable development.”

“Women’s labor is this country’s greatest strength”

CHP Bornova Women’s Branch Chair Meltem Dalkılıç stressed that women must remain active in production:

“Women’s labor is the greatest strength of this country. Women produce in every aspect of life. When women plant the soil, they are actually planting the future. We thank Mayor Ömer Eşki and Bornova Municipality for establishing Urban Gardens, which expand not only production but also solidarity.”

“Women—the force of abundance—must not be seen as unpaid laborers”

CHP Women’s Branch Central Committee Member Rahşan Nazlılıoğlu praised Bornova Municipality’s women-centered agricultural initiatives:

“Through the Urban Gardens Project, Bornova Municipality has reconnected women with the land. Women—the driving force of abundance—should not be seen as unpaid agricultural workers. Our struggle is to ensure they are recognized as producers.”

“The land is our most valuable asset—let’s protect it”

CHP İzmir Provincial Women’s Branch Chair Zahide Kurum highlighted the fundamental importance of agriculture:

“I am a farmer’s daughter. In my youth, I understood that agriculture is the foundation of development. But today, we are losing our land. The land is our most precious value—let’s protect it. Long live the land!”

“Expanding Urban Garden awareness across Bornova”

Bornova Deputy Mayor Barbaros Taşer stated that the municipality will continue raising awareness about sustainable agriculture:

“We will continue spreading the awareness created through our Urban Gardens across every part of Bornova.”

Women farmers shared their stories

Bringing together scientists, producers, and entrepreneurs, the panel was moderated by CHP İzmir Deputy Women’s Branch Chair Esengül Kaleli, who opened with personal remarks:

“I’m also a farmer’s daughter. Today’s children grow up missing the sound of animals and the feel of the soil. We must rebuild that connection.”

“We must see agriculture and the environment as one”

Prof. Dr. Uygun Aksoy emphasized sustainable agricultural practices:

“We need to think of agriculture and the environment together to grow healthy crops. If we surrender our plains to housing and industry, we lose our primary source of life. Women make up 60% of agricultural labor, but hold only 10% of land ownership. Women must have a stronger voice in both production and policy.”

“When women produce, society prospers”

Agricultural Engineer Mine Pakkaner, drawing on her 42 years of experience, said:

“Women are inherently productive—and when women produce, society prospers. Men often see women as assistants, not farmers, but in villages, women are on tractors and in the fields. With their nurturing energy, women pass on strength and vitality to future generations.”

“Nature is the place of rebirth”

Entrepreneur and farmer Menekşe Gül Onukar shared her journey from city life to farming:

“I was an accountant in Istanbul. After retiring, we moved to Foça. When I saw an ancient olive tree, I decided to stay. We planted olive and fruit trees. Nature stood by me. During my battle with cancer, I told myself, ‘Don’t be afraid—just stop and breathe.’”

“We refuse to be part of the capitalist system”

Entrepreneur and farmer Sırma Gök, a former professional volleyball player, spoke about her move to rural life:

“I used to play professional volleyball. In 2018, we bought five acres of land in Foça Kozbeyli. After my twins were born, we wanted them to grow up in a natural environment. During the pandemic, we moved to the village and decided: we will not be part of the capitalist system. It’s challenging—but I’ve never regretted it.”