UN Women Türkiye Director Asya Varbanova said, "There are powerful and educated women in Turkey. However, the rate of women in parliament is 20 percent." Varbanova said it would take at least 40 years to achieve gender equality in national parliaments.
The 6th Youth Session of the Wald International E-Parliament, hosted by Yeditepe University in cooperation with the Global Education and Culture Research Center (KEKAM), was a significant event organized by the World Academy for Local Government and Democracy Foundation (WALD). This gathering, aligned with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, was inaugurated by Bedrettin Dalan, the Founder and Honorary President of the ISTEK Foundation and Yeditepe University. The session provided a platform for future leaders to interact with current leaders. Distinguished speakers like Yalova Governor Hülya Kaya, UN Women Turkey Director Asya Varbanova, Demirören HR Group President Elif Karacaoğlu, and Yeditepe University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Yeşim Ekinci, moderated by Demirören Media Education Projects Group Director Nuran Çakmakçı, responded to students' inquiries. The program also saw participation from KEKAM Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gökçe Bayındır Goularas, WALD Academy Director Hülya Alper, and numerous students. The speakers emphasized the necessity of women's equal participation in diverse spheres such as the private sector, local government, politics, and all aspects of life. They highlighted the importance of addressing gender inequality starting within the family.
“Full equality still does not exist.”
"Globally, no country has yet achieved complete equality. This is evident across various sectors. Whether in parliaments, municipalities, governorships, the private sector, or corporations, men are predominantly in the forefront, with women often relegated to lesser roles. Men are more visible in decision-making roles, including in fields like science, technology, artificial intelligence, and the digital world, leaving women on the sidelines. The current global status of equality is not satisfactory. The presence of women in leadership and decision-making roles is crucial to addressing world issues. Women leaders have demonstrated better decision-making, as evidenced during the Covid-19 pandemic. Turkey boasts strong and educated women. To achieve global gender parity, it is estimated that it will take 286 years to eradicate laws discriminating against women, 140 years to reach equal representation in leadership roles, and at least 40 years to achieve gender balance in national parliaments."
"Opportunities are not equal either.”
Varbanova stated that the opportunities given to women and men are unequal, saying, "This inequality starts in our private life. For example, boys and girls are not treated in the same way. Although we have come a long way, it is not enough. In addition, we see men in all important positions. This shows that not much has changed regarding equality, and this is the case in many parts of the world. We are told that men are better leaders and business managers and that women should work at home and care for their children. These discourses are still prevalent. We know that there are even people who believe that if a woman makes a mistake, violence can be done against her. We need to overcome this, and we can move forward if we overcome this inequality in our private spaces and homes. At home, the woman takes care of the children and does the housework; the woman and the man should take this responsibility."
Governor Kaya: We must raise entrepreneurial women
During her speech at the WALD Youth Session, Yalova Governor Hülya Kaya highlighted the disproportionate impact of Turkey's current economic challenges on women, using a poignant example: "Imagine a family with three children, one boy and two girls, facing financial hardships. Often, the choice is made to educate the boy, underlining a bias towards males. The rationale is that the boy should be educated as he will continue to support the family, while the girls are expected to marry and leave. This mindset overlooks the importance of vocational training and business opportunities for men. My message wherever I go is this: Empowering entrepreneurial women is key to combating violence against women. Women must be self-reliant. Achieving progress in equality means granting women economic independence, as other measures can seem superficial. When a woman earns her income and contributes to her household, she earns a voice in decisions. Without this, true equality remains inaccessible. Every woman should be skilled in a profession, be financially self-sufficient, and receive societal support for it."
'We must first educate men'
Prof. Dr. Yeşim Ekinci, Vice Rector of Yeditepe University, noted, "We consider ourselves fortunate at our university. Here, we have transcended the traditional gender distinctions. Our goal is to elevate to higher positions throughout the country. A crucial step in this process is the education of men – they need to be well-educated and aware. We bear specific responsibilities and obligations. It's essential to foster equality between women and men, starting within the family unit."
"Equal work receives equal pay without any discrimination."
At the 6th Youth Session of the WALD International E-Parliament, within the 'Women and Leadership in the Global World' panel discussion, there was a strong focus on the necessity for women's equal representation across various sectors, including the private sector, local governments, politics, and all other walks of life. Elif Karacaoğlu, President of Human Resources at Demirören Media, addressed questions from the youth during the session. She underlined, "Our organization adheres strictly to the principle of 'equal pay for equal work,' ensuring no disparity. When it comes to our employees' salaries, as well as their appointments and promotions, we prioritize their performance, the value they bring, and the impact of the products and projects they contribute to, irrespective of their position."
'Women can do everything a man does better.'
In his opening speech at the session, Bedrettin Dalan, the Founder and Honorary President of ISTEK Foundation and Yeditepe University, expressed, "Turkish culture has historically honored and upheld women's rights, and women have consistently excelled globally. Preserving this cultural heritage ensures that women maintain their rightful place in society. Women can perform tasks as well as, if not better than, men, though there are feats unique to women. For instance, women can give birth, contributing to the continuity of humanity and the world. Such creativity is exclusive to them. I extend my utmost love and respect to our inventive women."
