Bilecik is participating as a “Partner City” in the European Local Democracy Week (ELDW), a pan-European initiative coordinated by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe. With its rich historical heritage, natural assets, and strategic location, Bilecik continues to pursue the goal of becoming a more liveable, inclusive, and sustainable city in line with its developing urban structure and growing population. In this context, Bilecik Municipality considers strengthening local democracy, increasing civic participation, and promoting inclusive local governance among its core priorities.
Bilecik Municipality carries out comprehensive activities in various fields such as infrastructure, environmental management, green spaces, social facilities, and cultural initiatives. These efforts aim not only to improve the city’s physical environment, but also to encourage residents to actively participate in social, cultural, and democratic life. In line with this approach, the Municipality develops projects in cooperation with national and international partners, thereby strengthening good governance practices at the local level.
Implemented within the framework of the European Local Democracy Week, the Women’s Book Club Activity was carried out through the cooperation between Bilecik Municipality and Bilecik Women KOPP. This partnership represents a strong example of collaboration between local authorities and civil structures, while promoting a participatory and inclusive model that supports women’s engagement in social life. The activity aimed not only to encourage cultural participation, but also to create a safe and supportive space where women could come together, share experiences, express their ideas freely, and become more visible in local life.
The book club meetings, attended by women from different age groups and socio-economic backgrounds, enabled the active participation of housewives and young women and provided an inclusive and supportive environment. In this respect, the activity particularly targeted women whose participation in social life is limited, contributing to the development of active citizenship awareness and the strengthening of social bonds at the local level.
The communication campaign implemented as part of this activity reflected the joint approach of Bilecik Municipality and Bilecik Women KOPP, aiming to present the Women’s Book Club not merely as a reading activity, but as a social platform where women are empowered, build solidarity, and actively participate in local life. Throughout the campaign, a clear, accessible, and inclusive communication language was adopted, with a specific focus on reaching housewives and young women, as well as women from different socio-economic backgrounds.
Through social media posts, visual materials, posters, and face-to-face outreach activities, the campaign emphasized that the activity was open to everyone, safe, and accessible. These communication efforts strengthened the message that the book club meetings were designed to address all women living in the city, while encouraging participation and reducing barriers to access to information.
Overall, the communication activities aimed to promote women’s participation in public life, increase outreach to vulnerable groups, and strengthen a sense of solidarity at the local level. This process contributed to expanding safe spaces where women can express themselves and supporting their indirect involvement in local governance processes. Developed through the cooperation between Bilecik Municipality and Bilecik Women KOPP, this activity and communication model fully aligns with the principles of participation, inclusiveness, and visibility of the European Local Democracy Week and represents a strong good practice example for Bilecik.
