Halka Cooperative
The Problem
Traditional business models fall short in resolving the ever-changing and complex challenges of contemporary society. High demand for jobs, limited resources and a lack of social integration make it difficult for disadvantaged groups to enter the market for income generation and self-reliance. New pathways must be paved to alleviate the resource burden by granting access to work and economic self-reliance.
The Solution
I4D designs new non-traditional models that bridge the gap between disadvantaged groups and private-public actors to generate mutually beneficial business relations. While doing so, I4D challenges the norms against vulnerable groups and locates them as key contributors to a more inclusive economy through innovative business models.
The Impact
With this understanding, I4D supports and creates value-oriented businesses built on models that put equity in the core, making an impact by employing disadvantaged groups as well as through the products and/or services they provide.
HALKA is a women-led cooperative offering cleaning services in Izmir. HALKA’s mission is to promote women’s economic empowerment by advancing their capacities and leadership skills. By strengthening women’s ability to join the workforce and ensure their economic self-reliance, I4D’s work enhances efforts towards women’s rights advocacy and eliminating discrimination against women.
Through HALKA cooperative, 20 disadvantaged women (10 Turkish, 10 Syrian) have entered the workforce and provide cleaning services by leveraging municipality procurement needs. The project launched in December 2019 and is financed by the European Union under the EU Facility for Refugees in Turkey and administered by the World Bank.
