Sabancı Foundation Turkey’s Changemakers program continues to share the unique stories of extraordinary people who contribute to social development. This week’s Changemaker is the Women Association of Muş (MUKADDER) that implements the “Early Marriage is not My Destiny” project in order to prevent early marriages both in Muş and Van.

Founded in 2009 by 7 women who opposed to being child brides, the Women Association of Muş now has 68 members. The Association mainly works to stop violence against women, empower them, and support their participation in economic and social life.

Having seen that, child marriage is a common and serious issue in the region, the members of the Association aim to inform 1.250 young women about early marriage by making door-to-door visits in Muş and Van. The members also try to raise public awareness of child brides by organizing movie screenings, exhibitions, and seminars.