Page 18 - Dispatches - Winter 2022

Outlook on The Shifting Struggle For
Women

Women’s Rights in Turkey

women—including femicide and
“honor” killings. On the other
hand, it should be noted that
By Sebnem Altin,
Trip Experience the rights of Turkish women
Leader, Turkey employed in professional fields
remain protected.

The government’s conservative
Right: In March of stance on gender issues and
2021, hundreds of emphasis on “family values”
women gathered are rooted in Islam, of course.
to protest Turkey’s Erdoğan’s public remarks
withdrawal from the about women are especially
Istanbul Convention, annoying to most educated
a treaty designed secular Turkish women. Along
to protect violence very time a list comes out that ranks with labeling Turkish feminists as “terrorists,”
against women. countries by women’s rights, it seems he readily admits he does not believe in the
ETurkey moves down a notch. But it equality of men and women. “You cannot make
Treasures of the wasn’t always that way—in fact, just the women work in the same jobs as men do,” he
Aegean: A Voyage contrary. Throughout the 20th century, said, “it is against their delicate nature.”
Turkey was a shining example of gender
emancipation. In 1926, our secular civil code Probably the most controversial event occurred
gave women equal civil rights to men. And in March of this year, however, when Erdoğan
by 1930, Turkish women could vote and run issued a midnight decree annulling Turkey’s
for political office. In 1935, a time when eight ratification of the Istanbul Convention. On
women were in the U.S. Congress, Turkey had March 12, 2012, Turkey had become the first
18 women serving in their Parliament. The country to ratify the convention, followed
Created by Linda blurring of sex roles in the work force was well by 34 other countries from 2013 to 2021.
Harward, 17-time underway in Turkey early in the 1940s—and by The international treaty legally obligates
traveler from the 1960s, lawyers, judges, doctors, professors, governments to take effective steps to prevent
Colorado Springs, CO engineers, army officers, and many other violence against women, protect survivors,

Watch Slideshow occupations traditionally held by men were and punish abusers. While the government
filled by Turkish women. made excuses that the treaty “weakened
family unity” and “promoted homosexuality,”
When did it all go so wrong? outraged women (and many men) poured
You’ll meet a feminist
activist to learn Fast-forward to the new millennium. Some onto the streets to protest the decision. Even
much more about gender backsliding began with the rise of the the international community was shocked
the Controversial Justice and Development Party (AKP) and its that a country would turn its back on what is
Topic of women’s leader and current President, Recep Tayyip considered gold standard for ensuring women’s
rights in Turkey on Erdoğan. With religious conservatism at its safety.
our The Aegean core, gender-based issues became increasingly Despite this setback, however, it has already
Islands, Athens & problematic for the new ruling party—who become a rallying point for women’s rights
Istanbul Small Ship hold different views on the role of women in activists. Turkish women do not give up easily—
Adventure. Turkish society. Unfortunately, as the secular and our true nature is the furthest thing from
pillars of modern Turkey toppled, there has also “delicate.”
Learn More been an increase in violence against Turkish

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DISP A T CHES • WINTER

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