Internship Spotlight: Bade Kolcuoglu - Women Aware Canada

My name is Bade Kolcuoglu, I am pursuing a degree in Psychology and Gender Studies at McGill University. I would like to begin my report by thanking Mrs. Martha Breithaupt for her generous support. Receiving the Martha Breithaupt Internship Award made it possible for me to connect my academic background in the psychology of relationships with my interest in feminist studies, and to use that foundation to support individuals affected by gender-based violence (GBV).

My decision to apply for this internship was driven by a strong motivation to gain direct experience with survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) and to deepen my understanding of GBV in real-world contexts. I hoped to raise awareness and advocate for survivors of GBV while strengthening my skills in science communication and knowledge translation, which I see as essential to my future career. WomenAWARE, specialized in IPV and Domestic Violence (DV), provided the ideal environment to learn how to engage in outreach and psychosocial support from those with lived experience. This Montreal-based organization engages in both direct support and community outreach. Their services include a confidential hotline, 1-1 peer support, and a support group as well as Violence Awareness and Prevention Programs including trainings on IPV, Workshops for Youth and on Women’s Health.

As an intern, I played a central role in developing WomenAWARE’s Youth Outreach Program, and Women’s Health Workshops as well as in setting up a new support group initiative. To launch the first installment of Youth Outreach Workshops, I coordinated with PACC Education Centre to assess the needs of their students, co-developed the content, and collaborated with our volunteer team to deliver a workshop on healthy relationships. I also facilitated a partnership with McGill’s Sexual Assault Centre (SACOMSS) to ensure the second installment of the Women’s Health and IPV Workshop, tailoring the session to the needs of SACOMSS Volunteers and Staff. Additionally, I developed research-based facilitation guidelines for a new support group designed specifically for youth and university students. By participating in meetings with new collaborators, I helped establish key connections with those who will be essential in promoting this workshop to vulnerable populations.

My academic background played a key role throughout my internship. During the youth workshop, I drew from coursework on interpersonal relationships, especially healthy communication patterns, to provide comprehensive, evidence-based information. I also applied research methods I gained at McGill to identify gaps in survivor support and determine which interventions are most effective. Similarly, for the Women’s Health Workshop, I conducted research on reproductive health, building on insights from my coursework in the area.

Some of the most memorable moments of my internship came through direct connection with others. During the youth outreach workshop, seeing students engage with the material and come forward with thoughtful questions was incredibly rewarding. Another highlight was facilitating an IPV training with the developers of the new safety app “OutSafe” and witnessing how positively participants responded to the information and left with new tools and knowledge

Despite its rewards, the internship also came with challenges. For example, some projects I was interested in developed more slowly due to shifting priorities. However, I was able to see this as an opportunity to improve in other areas. When a fundraiser took precedence over my work on the Women’s Health Workshop, I asked to co-coordinate it with my supervisor. This built trust and confidence which led to my supervisor encouraging me to take the lead on the workshop when I later expressed interest in developing it.

This internship has been transformative, both personally and professionally. It has allowed me to gain confidence, derive inspiration from the stories of survivors and shape my future career to work in the intersection of outreach, science communication and advocacy. Every part of the experience, from research to interacting with communities and stakeholders, was incredibly meaningful. It gave me a clear sense of purpose and belonging and it raised my ambitions for the future. None of this would have been possible without the financial support I received. The funds covered essential transportation costs, sometimes to the far end of the Island of Montreal and allowed me to stay in the city for in-person trainings and team-building activities. These experiences provided me with the greatest motivation to pursue a career in this field.

Thank you again to Mrs. Martha Breithaupt for making this experience possible and for their generous support!