““BDK Bodrum Youth Culture and Art Centre” aka Bodrum Youth is a nonprofit\non-governmental Organization established by experienced youth workers and social entrepreneurs in Bodrum in 2006. The members of the organization are mostly young professionals (university students, high school pupils, etc. young entrepreneurs and artists…) and they come together for spreading the idea of promoting equality, self-awareness on European opportunities for young people in Bodrum community, supporting people, helping people with fewer opportunities in their social integration, making youth participation in public life more active and strengthening the principles of civil society and democracy. The main objectives of the organization are:  
• Implement a number of studies and joint training to assist local authorities on matters of public interest;
• To develop solidarity and promote tolerance among the public
 • To encourage public participation and strengthening links between local groups, schools, businesses and municipal authorities.
 • To stimulate participation of young people for involvement in activities related to personal and social development activities for social adaptation of marginalized youth communities.
• To carry out active work for sustainable social development and democratic principles to promote civil society. 
• To work for action and measures to restore and improve the quality of the environment.
• To improve the welfare of disabled people – their acceptance and finding a place in a family in a circle of peers, colleagues, friends and the m idle part of the community in which they live.
 • to promote entrepreneurship among young people in order to decrease the number of youth unemployment
• to create awareness on protection of environment among young people. 


Policy Statements for Gender Equality and Women Empowerment for Bodrum Dance Club (BDK)


The Bodrum Dance Club (BDK) is committed to fostering an equitable and empowering environment for all, with a special focus on advancing gender equality and empowering women within the realm of dance, arts, and youth activities. These statements outline our policy commitments:
Equal Access and Participation: BDK ensures equal access and encourages full participation of individuals of all genders in all dance classes, workshops, performance opportunities, and cultural events, actively working to remove any explicit or implicit barriers to engagement.
Challenging Gender Stereotypes through Art: BDK actively promotes artistic expression that challenges traditional gender roles and stereotypes within dance and performing arts, encouraging freedom of expression and diverse interpretations of movement, regardless of gender.
Promoting Women in Leadership and Artistic Direction: BDK is committed to fostering and supporting the representation of women in leadership positions, teaching roles, choreographic endeavors, and administrative capacities within the organization, ensuring diverse perspectives in decision-making.
Creating a Safe and Inclusive Environment: BDK maintains a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of gender-based discrimination, harassment, and violence, ensuring a respectful, secure, and supportive atmosphere for all students, staff, and participants.
Empowerment through Skill Development: BDK will develop and promote specific programs and workshops aimed at enhancing the skills, confidence, and leadership capabilities of young women and girls in dance, arts, and organizational management.
Fair and Equitable Evaluation in Competitions: BDK ensures that all national and international dance competitions and evaluation processes are conducted with strict impartiality, free from gender bias, and based solely on artistic merit and technical proficiency.
Showcasing Female Artistic Achievements: BDK commits to actively showcasing and celebrating the achievements of female dancers, choreographers, and artists through its festivals, performances, and promotional materials, providing inspiring role models for emerging talent.
Integrating Gender Perspectives in International Exchange: BDK will integrate gender equality and women’s empowerment themes into its international cultural exchange programs and collaborations, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and learning on these critical issues.
Support for Work-Life Balance for Female Staff and Artists: BDK recognizes the importance of work-life balance and aims to implement supportive policies and flexible arrangements where possible to enable female staff and artists to balance their professional and personal responsibilities.
Regular Review and Accountability: BDK commits to regularly reviewing the effectiveness of its gender equality and women’s empowerment policies and initiatives, using feedback mechanisms and indicators to ensure continuous improvement and accountability.