WHO WE ARE
We are women from all walks of life — each with different stories, experiences, and strengths — united by one shared goal: Set Them Free!
We are a group of human rights defenders, teachers, academics, students, media professionals, chemists, and businesswomen who stand in solidarity to advocate for women`s and children`s rights. We seek to combat systemic barriers around women by dismantling patriarchy, creating sanctuaries for one another, and cultivating a community of learning, empowerment, and care. We encourage, uplift, and nourish each other to build a freer and more equal world.
ABOUT US
Established in August 2017, Set Them Free is a civil initiative dedicated to monitoring and raising awareness about all forms of violence against women and children. Founded in response to the escalating repression and erosion of civil liberties, initially in Turkey, our initiative stands as a platform to echo the voices of displaced women, advocate and empower survivors of political and social persecution.
Set Them Free seeks to transform pain into purpose by building networks of solidarity, providing support for displaced communities, and amplifying silenced voices at national and intergovernmental platforms.
OUR MISSION AND VISION
Set Them Free’s work is guided by a belief in the power of collective action and the transformative strength of feminist solidarity. By creating spaces for storytelling, healing, and advocacy, the initiative connects survivors with human rights defenders, researchers, and global organizations to advance gender justice and accountability.
We believe in — and work for — a world where no woman or child is silenced by fear, exile, or injustice: a world in which every voice can rise freely for dignity, equality, and human rights.
Through advocacy, education, and empowerment, Set Them Free strives to defend the rights and dignity of women and children affected by political persecution, gender-based violence, and social injustice. Our work fosters a culture of equality, empathy, and resilience grounded in feminist and human rights principles.
WHAT WE DO
Set Them Free operates at the intersection of gender justice, human rights, and social advocacy, with programs designed to empower survivors, mobilize allies, and influence policy through global engagement.
Advocacy and Awareness
- Advocating for women’s rights at multilateral platforms, including the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UN CSW).
- Raising international awareness about the erosion of women’s rights and the systemic abuse of the rule of law in Turkey and MENA particularly.
Support and Empowerment
- Providing pro bono psychological support for women and children who are victims of enforced migration and trauma.
- Organizing projects and workshops such as Sisters Without Borders and Bibliotherapy sessions to equip refugee women and displaced youth with skills, leadership tools, and educational resources to rebuild their lives and communities.
Capacity Building and Education
- Conducting training workshops and capacity-building programs for young professionals to engage effectively with global human rights platforms, including the United Nations.
- Producing educational media, including a YouTube discussion series on combating gender-based violence and promoting social resilience.
