On August 29th and 30th, there will be a turning point, an awakening, a call for awareness in Turkey to shine a light on the resilience, inner strength, and unseen labor of women.

In 2023, İrem Sönmez (@irmsnmz) became the first person in Turkey to swim non-stop for 24 hours in a project against violence toward women — a feat accomplished by only an estimated 116 people in history.

The 39-year-old triathlete-turned-marathon swimmer is now preparing for embark on a 30-hour non-stop swim on the symbolic date of August 30th to bring visibility to the deep, often hidden strength women summon every single day.

Her Project General Coordinator and Manager Urcun Canel (@urcun_canel) says, “This is not only a physical challenge — it is a powerful social statement. The project represents a metaphorical journey through the emotional, mental, and physical endurance of women: 30 hours of commitment and resistance — in water.”

The project will raise funds in full transparency to support girls’ education and children battling cancer. The swim will symbolize a silent salute to the depths women navigate every day — often unseen, but always unwavering.

İrem Sönmez says, “Water… the sea…a source of life, transformation, and resilience — just like women. Every day, women swim through invisible currents. They struggle, they strive, they survive. They endure violence, injustice, and inequality — often silently, yet with immense strength.

Through this project, I aim to represent that power. I will stay in the water for 30 hours — starting August 29th, ending on August 30th. But this will not only test my body — it will test the limits of my soul. It is a call for one thing above all else: Respect for Women.”

© 2025 Daily News of Open Water Swimming

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