Filiz Zeyrek/JINHA

ADANA - Damla Yıldız had a stroke when a bullet hit her body when she was a child. Her three-month salary was cut one year ago when her father passed away. Damla has tried to hold on to life by selling pens and handkerchiefs in bus terminal. Damla noted that she has been subjected to sexual assault in bus terminal; however, she continues to resist despite all difficulties.

26-year-old Damla Yıldız lives in the Yenice Neighborhood of Marsin's Tarsus district. Her life turns into a nightmare after a bullet hit her when she was sitting in fron of her home. Damla had a stroke after this incident. She had treatments; however, she couldn't save one of her arm. Damla couldn't go to school due to the incident she experienced. Damla stated that she couldn't be treated due to economical troubles. Damla, who choose to hold on to life despite her disability, has sold pens and handkerchiefs in bus terminal since she was 10 years old. Damla noted that her three-month salary was cut due to an amount of money given to her mother after her father passed away one year ago. Damla said, "I want to take my salary taking from my by the state back."

Damla stated that her family has a poor economic situation, "My father's salary is enough only to my mother's medicine. I have siblings and they have to have education. The state gave me a three-month salary before; however, they have cut it for one year. When they increased my mother's salary by adding 2 lira after my father passed away, they cut my salary. This salary is my right. The three-monh salary given to my mother after my father passed away is enough only to my mother's medicine. They leave people in a difficult situation. They allege that they help the people! I hope my voice will be heard soon.

"Men's glances make me very uncomfortable. They start to talk to me on the excuse that they will buy pens. They harass me by saying, "You are a beautiful woman, why do you do this job? You can do another job." This is really a very difficult situation for me. I try to do my job despite everything. I am resisting now despite all difficulties and I will continue to resist."

(mg/gd)