The Challenges for Female Professional Managers in Turkish Women NGOs

The aim of this study is to understand volunteer management practices and to identify challenges for women volunteer managers in a Turkish women NGO federation. Open ended interviews conducted with fifteen women NGO managers are subject to content analysis. The inquiry shows that there is a negative perception towards voluntary associations in Turkey. NGO work is not considered as professional work. The volunteers are limited by social and cultural boundaries and are unable to take responsibilities as expected by volunteer managers. Analysis furthermore shows it is also difficult to motivate volunteers to work in teams. Women NGOs frequently emphasize universal values, create mentoring among their volunteers, organize project groups for volunteers and meetings to raise awareness of social responsibilities and show sensitivity to the individual and family needs.