TÜSİAD President Ümit Boyner released a statement in the context of the 8th March Women’s Day that expressed these views:
“Indicators of the status of women in Turkey are at unacceptable levels. The most profound influence on this picture is the prevalence of a male-dominant perspective in social and political life. This perspective traps women in the traditional role within the family or else becomes indifferent to the efforts to transform this role.
Yet the strengthening of women’s political, social and economic status is one of the most significant indicators of democratic development and the level of society’s level of wellbeing. The realization of the potential of half of the population and equality of opportunity in society should be one of the decision makers’ principle targets.
Knowing that the issue of the role of women in the economy is one that will carry forward not only women, but all men and women in society, we see the necessity for men to participate more actively in the solution process. To raise awareness of this issue, as the TÜSİAD Gender Equality Working Group we prepared the “Women in Working Life” documentary film and brought it to the agenda of a conference. Moreover, a 45-second spot film that we prepared has begun to be aired this week on TV and at cinemas. We hope that the tireless efforts of civil sector organizations will influence decision makers in the direction of changing this picture.
Another important problem area is the lack of representation of women in the administration of the country. Although there are many women in the public sector, their promotion to management levels is subject to serious restrictions. Moreover, women’s representation in local politics and parliament is at a very low level; the proportion of women MP’s is 9%, way below the world average of 19% and the European average of more than 20%. There should be gender equality in the management of public bodies and in politics. Insufficient representation of half of the population paves the way for the restricted reflection of their views, desires and needs in politics. The observance of the “equal representation” principle in the candidate selection process of political parties for the June general elections is of great significance.
It is unbearable that while we consider how to increase women’s participation in education, working life and politics, their very right to life is still under threat. The increase in the murder of women in recent years is at frightening dimensions; we are pained that every day we hear news of another women being murdered by her husband, lover or family members. This only becomes more hideous when we consider that most of these deaths could be prevented with the required precautions.
While the 8th of March is an important vehicle for the public discussion of women’s issues, there is a need for continuous, genuine and concrete efforts to close the gender gap in society. We should not forget that the most effective thing either in the private or public sectors or in political parties, is for all bodies in a leadership position to transform into areas of influence. Starting with politicians, all actors in society must be resolute in forming and realizing their political and action plans. As TÜSİAD we shall continue to lend our support towards the realization of this social transformation.”
