Minister of Family and Social Services, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, said, "Ak Parti has supported women's participation in the economy and production from the beginning, and we will continue to do so. Have no doubt that Ak Parti will write success stories with all citizens, especially women, by increasing the equality of opportunity between men and women."

Minister Göktaş first visited the Governor's Office in Batman, where she travelled to attend the opening ceremonies and to make a series of visits. Minister Göktaş was welcomed by Governor Ekrem Canalp and other officials and was presented flowers by two children in their local attires.

After receiving information from Mr. Canalp about the activities in the city, Göktaş then proceeded to the AK Parti Provincial Directorate and met with the members of the political party.

Starting her speech there by expressing her pleasure to be in Batman in the first days of the new year, Göktaş said, "The main goal of the government, which has been in power for more than 20 years, is to ensure that the people live in welfare and peace under the best conditions."

Stating that the Ministry was continuing their journey with the vision of the "Century of Türkiye" initiated by the President of the Republic of Türkiye, H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Göktaş noted that:

"Together with you, we must bring Batman, which is full of historical and cultural beauties, together with AK Parti municipalism. I believe that Batman will be rebuilt with AK Parti members in line with the demands and wishes of the citizens. We all have great responsibilities in local elections. I believe that the entire party will make an outstanding effort before you."

"The cause of Ak Parti is a cause of unity and togetherness," Göktaş said, adding that "AK Parti municipalism is municipalism from the heart, it is social municipalism".

“We will continue to work together for the country as a big family without discriminating between men and women"

Minister Göktaş attended the "We are a Big Family" meeting held at the Hatice Nasıroğlu Conference Hall in the Necat Nasıroğlu Complex as part of her engagements in Batman.

Speaking at the program, Göktaş wished that the new year would bring blessings to the country and all humanity, and peace and tranquility to the whole world, especially Palestine.

"What we experienced, seen and witnessed in 2023 reminded us again how much we need to be in unity and solidarity as a nation," Göktaş said, adding that people overcame the "disaster of the century" by sticking together and that the wounds would continue to be healed in the new year.

Göktaş, expressing that Ak PArti was a big family, continued her words as follows:

"It is a great honor for me to be with you as one of the members of this great family and to serve this nation. Family members support each other, work together, produce together and build their future together. The government also mobilizes all its opportunities for its citizens. You will carry this big family to more peaceful and prosperous days by relying on the power of unity and cohesion. We will know how to take advantage of the experience of older persons and the dynamism of younger persons, and we will continue to work together for the country as a big family without discriminating between men and women."

"Ak Parti is developing innovative programs and projects"

Göktaş stated that she was proud and excited to come together with women producing, adding value to her family and the country.

"Ak Parti has supported women's participation in the economy and production until the end, and we will continue to do so. Have no doubt that Ak Parti will write success stories with all citizens, especially women, by increasing the equality of opportunity between men and women. We develop innovative programs and projects in social services with a dynamic, inclusive and proactive approach." Göktaş expressed her satisfaction at being together with the trainees operating at the Multi-Purpose Community Center (ÇATOM) and Family Support Center (ADEM).

Göktaş emphasized that despite the obstacles faced, the determination of the trainees and their desire to learn inspired all women.

Minister Göktaş then presented plaques to Governor Ekrem Canalp and AK Parti Batman MP Ferhat Nasıroğlu, entrepreneur women in the city, trainees with disabilities attending courses at ADEM, national archers with disabilities and players of Batman handball team.

Minister Göktaş participated in the opening ceremonies within the scope of her visit to Batman to participate in the "We are a Big Family" meeting.

Göktaş opened the Batman Governorate Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundation soup kitchen and received information about the activities from Governor Ekrem Canalp.  Göktaş then made examinations in the kitchen section of the soup kitchen.

Having met with the staff, Göktaş took charge of the boilers, put the meals to be sent to the families in containers, helped Döner cutters.

Following the opening of the soup kitchen, Göktaş visited Güneykent Family Support Center and received information about the work and visited the trainees receiving training in filography, a forgotten art.

Minister Göktaş tried filography, a handicraft made on a wooden plate using wire and nails, and completed the work of a trainee with a moon and star motif.

Göktaş, who also passed to the kitchen department of the center, helped with the production of the local Damascus pastry and served the pastries she made to the guests.

"We are developing innovative programs and projects"

Making statements at the end of the visit, Minister Göktaş emphasized the importance of the existence of women who produced and added value to their families and countries.

Expressing that Ak Parti would continue to support women's participation in the economy and production, Göktaş said, "We strive to meet the needs of all segments in the best way by producing effective and inclusive policies. We develop innovative programs and projects in social services with a dynamic, inclusive and proactive approach."

Göktaş said that Family Support Centers (FSCs) and Multi-Purpose Community Centers (ÇATOMs) were among these services: "In these centers, women's business skills and abilities are developed through artistic and vocational courses, while children can receive day care services. The centers make a great contribution to women's participation in social life, realizing their talents and empowering them in their field."

Göktaş reminded that the Ministry completed and put into service 5 investment projects in Batman last year and said that children's homes coordination center, children's homes site, barrier-free living care rehabilitation and family counseling centers, women's guesthouses, social service centers, multi-purpose community centers and violence prevention and monitoring center were serving in the city.

The first park built in memory of a persons with Down syndrome

On the other hand, Minister Göktaş also inaugurated Habip Başkan Park, named after Habip Hasar, a person with Down syndrome who died last year and was one of the most popular figures in the city with his imitations.

Following the opening, Göktaş visited the park and received information, and also met with Hasar's family. The park opened by Göktaş was the first park built in memory of a person with Down syndrome in the city.