Article about Gender Equality in Turkey

In this article by Meltem Müftüler-Baç, professor at Sabanci University in Istanbul, you can read more about the situation of women in Turkey and legislation processes regarding gender equality.

Abstract:

“This note reviews gender equality in Turkey with a focus on the existing legislation and programs. The issue of gender equality in Turkey is particularly important for Turkey’s adoption of EU norms and acquis. The main challenges in this respect are violence against women, equal opportunities at the work place, paid and unpaid labour, hidden forms of discrimination and access to political decision-making and representation.”

THE GENDER GAP REPORT ON TURKEY

The gender gap report published in The World Economic Forum indicates that Turkey ranks 124th out of 135 countries.

According to the gender gap report, while there is an increase in the number of women participating into the politics all around the world, Turkey ranks low for,

– Women participating in labor force ( ranks 126th)

– Women in the assembly ( ranks 85th)

– Women in government departments ( ranks 121st) 

 

For more information read here an article published at bianet.org

REPORT ABOUT GENDER EQUALITY IN THE CONSTITUTION

Meclis Kadın Erkek Fırsat Eşitliği Komisyonu (KEFEK) (Committee on Equality of Opportunity for Women and Men) prepared a report about the question how the constitution can be improved from a gender perspective. The committee asked different experts and civil society organizations to give their proposals concerning the following topics:

– Language of the constitution: using a language that includes women and men

– Equality arrangements and prohibitions of discrimination: the constitution should prohibit any form of discrimination because of religion, religious denomination, language, culture, gender, sexuality, sexual orientation and ethnicity.

– Representation of women in the parliament: besides the equal political representation in the constitution changes in already existing laws regulating the elections and appointment have to be made and a quota has to be implemented

– Working life: there have to be legal regulations to encourage women to take an employment

– Applying international agreements: international agreements have to get priority over Turkish laws in practical way also

– Family life: partners should have the same responsibilities and rights in the family life such as sharing tasks, taking care of children, etc. Women should be defined not as mothers but as individuals.

– Prevent violence against women

For more information read here an article published at bianet.org