The 90th Year of Women’s Suffrage in Türkiye
Several female politicians and businesspeople came together to celebrate the 90th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote and stand for parliamentary elections in Türkiye. On Dec. 5, they honored modern Türkiye founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and reflected on the progress made over the years.
Historical Progress for Women’s Rights
While Türkiye had initially granted women the right to engage in politics at local levels in 1930 and 1933, it wasn't until the historic law passed on Dec. 5, 1934, that women could participate fully in parliamentary elections, marking a significant milestone in women's rights.
Representation in Parliament
With 118 female deputies in Türkiye’s parliament, women currently make up nearly one-fifth of the parliamentary members, showing progress in gender representation. However, globally, the ratio of women to men in parliaments stands at 26 percent.
Call for Greater Inclusivity
Despite the presence of 118 female deputies, Türkiye's cabinet, which consists of 17 ministries, has only one female minister. This underlines the need for further steps to ensure gender equality and inclusivity in decision-making processes.
Commemorative Ceremony at Atatürk’s Mausoleum
During a ceremony at Atatürk’s mausoleum, Anıtkabir, Family and Social Policies Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş emphasized the importance of women's equal participation in society for building a more just and inclusive community. The event was attended by various women from politics and business who paid tribute to Atatürk's legacy.
Commitment to Women’s Empowerment
Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş reiterated the commitment to enhancing the role of women in Türkiye's future, recognizing the significant contributions women have made to social life. He pledged to continue working towards a more inclusive society.
Advocacy for Women’s Rights
Asu Kaya, chairperson of main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) Women’s Branch, highlighted the need to address the underrepresentation of female parliamentarians in Türkiye, emphasizing the importance of removing barriers that hinder women from taking on leadership roles.
Recognition of Women’s Achievements
Filiz Kılıç, deputy group chair of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), praised the early political rights granted to Turkish women, thanks to the visionary leadership of Atatürk. She emphasized the heroic efforts of Turkish women in securing their place in political decision-making.
