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For Women By Women - FWBW is an initiative founded by an independent voluntary group of professional and amateur female photographers who came together to help create a change in the status of underprivileged women in Turkey. The photographers' goal is to create awareness about the issues of violence against women, foster positive change in the lives of women at risk, and help provide funding for women's organizations and shelters.

Since its launch in May 2005 FWBW initiative exhibited in numerous cities in Turkey (Istanbul, Diyarbakir, Duzce, Canakkale, Kars, Urfa) and London, UK; shared their photographs at the 'Women and Folk Songs' concert co-organized by the United Nation's Population Fund (part of the Stop Violence Against Women national campaign of the General Directorate of Women Status of the Turkish Republic Prime Ministry); and raised grants for the Independent Women's Support Association in Mersin and Women Solidarity Association in Urfa.

For Women By Women Initiative started with 111 female photographers but now the participant number reached more than 200 and each everyday interested individuals are joining the group. Due to all its efforts thus far IFSAK (Istanbul Photographers and Cinematographers Association) granted "For Women By Women" Initiative the 2005 Annual Photograph Award.

FWBW photographs are available for purchase at the exhibits and events in Washington, DC. 100% of the proceeds from the sales go to the shelters that provide supportive services for victims of domestic and sexual abuse. To see all the donated photos and purchase directly on-line please visit: www.kadinlaricin.org.

For more information on the Washington DC metro area exhibits/event and/or if you are interested in hosting the exhibit please contact fwbw@art4development.net . The Arts for Global Development, Inc is the organizer of the Washington DC metro area exhibitions and events. In 2006 American Turkish Association of Washington DC (ATA-DC) was the fiscal sponsor of the photo exhibition project in the USA and in 2007 George Washington University Turkish Student Association supports raising funds for women's shelters.

Exhibition Venue (1): Takoma Park Arts and Humanities Commission Center (March 16 - April 01, 2006)
Exhibition Venue (2): The Gallery at Warehouse (April 04-30, 2006; reception/fundraising event: April 20, 2006 @ 6pm)
	The exhibition and the " Women, Arts, and Social Responsibility" event at the Warehouse Gallery: Organized in support with the American Turkish Association of Washington DC, Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association US (TUSIAD US), Kardelen Dance Ensemble, and Mezun Callingcard. event review (pdf.file)
Exhibition Venue (3): University of Maryland, Stamp Student Union, Charles Carroll Room (May 24, 2006; exhibition / reception @ 5pm - 9pm) ... as part of the “Dangerous Places, Potential Spaces: Emerging Feminist Connections and Activisms in Local and Global Contexts” Conference held at the university.
	Exhibition Venue (4): Turkish Cultural Festival (October 08, 2006 from 10 am to 6pm on Pennsylvania Ave. NW, between 12th and 14th St, Washington DC. ) event review (pdf file)

Turkey is among the countries that granted women the right to elect and to be elected much earlier in the 20th Century. Turkish women have enjoyed their rights to elect and be elected since 1934, much longer than their piers who gained the same rights in 1944 in France, 1945 in Italy, and 1971 in Switzerland.

Today, literacy and professional-employment rates for Turkish women are higher than anywhere else in the Middle East and compare well against even the developed countries in Europe and America. In the fields of architecture, science, medicine, pharmacy and law, at least one out of three employees is a woman. In colleges, women constitute about 35 percent of the faculty. Almost 40 percent of all young traders at the Istanbul Stock Exchange are women. Even in the technical world of engineering, with a participation level of 12 percent, Turkish women are slightly ahead of their American counterparts. Moreover, Turkey has an expanding list of women writers, actors, artists and musicians with international acclaim.

As Turkish Women celebrate the International Women’s Day throughout the month of March, For Women By Women (FWBW) initiative takes a leadership role in creating awareness of the issues, domestic violence and harassment in particular, faced by underprivileged women in Turkey and around the World. In pursuing their goal they use art, photographs in particular, as a medium. The photographs included in exhibits reflect all shades and colors of life. They are vibrating, witty, and stimulating.