Although we live in a much more inclusive world when it comes to gender inclusion, we are still far away from having gender equality in all areas of life. As you know I am a big believer in empowerment for both sexes, as empowerment is about self belief no matter who you are. But this month, I am showing extra support to my fellow sisters, because first hand I know how hard it can be sometimes to compete in a male dominated world. And I’m not talking about competing so we as women can be on top. I talk about how we can be paid less for the same job, how women are not always given the same opportunities as men.
Did you know that according to the World Economic Forum’s 2017 Global Gender Gap Report we are over 200 years away from gender parity? It may seem too long, but what matters is that each day we continue to make positive gains.
IWD ( International Women’s Day) it’s just a kick off day that sets the theme for the year. It is about collective action and this day is just a reminder to continue working together. Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, journalist and activist once said : ”The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organisation but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights."
IDW belongs to all communities everywhere - governments, companies, charities, educational institutions, networks, associations, the media and more. Whether through a global conference, community gathering, classroom lesson or dinner table conversation - everyone can play a purposeful part in pressing for gender parity.
And now for the views of Prof Emre Alkin PhD on Women’s Rights
“Few people in the world know that the right to vote an to be voted for local and parliamentary elections was granted to Turkish women well before many today’s EU member countries. Having secured women’s rights to access to a number of aspects of life including academia, science, sports and business, with a series of laws passed after 1923, Mustafa Kemal ATATURK, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, defined women’s place in the politics as a “must”.
When even women in Switzerland had not been granted the right to vote in elections yet, the pictures of Turkish women giving speeches in parliament and addressing crowds in 1930s were decorating the walls of many Turkish homes. There’s no need to further inquire the reason why Turkish women are so committed to Atatürk’s principles and the major changes he implemented in many spheres of the society. The beginning of the 21st Century is also the beginning of Turkish women’s journey from darkness towards the light.
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