A Study on Violence against Women in Politics in Türkiye

A Qualitative Study on Violence against Women in Politics in Türkiye, prepared in cooperation with UN Women and Terra Development Cooperative, was introduced at an event organized in Ankara. A qualitative study, which provides important findings on the causes, occurrence, and consequences of violence against women in politics, was presented to the representatives from civil society organizations, public institutions, local governments, and political parties.

The Study on Violence against Women in Politics in Türkiye, which was started to be prepared by Prof. Dr. İknur Yüksel Kaptanoğlu, Project Coordinator of Terra Development Cooperative, together with her study team in 2022, was carried out within the scope of the project "Advancing Gender Equality and Women's Leadership in Political and Business Life” implemented by UN Women and financially supported by Sweden through Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). In her opening speech, Swedish Ambassador to Ankara Malena Mård emphasized the importance of a political environment free from all forms of violence, especially for young people.

The study addresses the problem of violence against women in politics in Turkiye on a broad scale, analyzing international legislation and norms as well as examples of good practices from around the world, and evaluating local legislation and policies. Within the scope of this study, which is the first national study on violence against women in politics, the dimensions of violence women are exposed to in politics are covered through qualitative study.

In her opening speech at the event, UN Women Türkiye Country Director Asya Varbanova said: "Violence against women in politics is a widespread human rights violation and a significant obstacle to women's full, equal and effective participation in political life. Today, as we release this study report, we call on all stakeholders to take action to create the conditions for women to exercise their political and civil rights without fear, discrimination, or violence. Despite the challenges they face, women continue to prove that when they lead, they bring transformative change to societies and the world. We must do all we can to ensure their full and effective participation at all levels of decision-making in political and public life and equal leadership opportunities."

İlknur Yüksel Kaptanoğlu, Project Coordinator of Terra Development Cooperative, expressed her views on the study as follows: "Stories are very important in our lives. In this research, instead of focusing on the stories of how women were promoted and elected, we focused on how they were prevented while struggling to exist in politics, and we investigated the acts of violence they were subjected to by different actors. We have shown that the violence that is considered ’normal’ in ‘dirty’ politics, as expressed in the narratives of women participating in politics and stakeholders involved in politics, is not ‘normal’, and that they are subjected to different forms of violence from different actors at different stages to enter and remain in politics. Through this research, we aim to contribute to data-based policy making and pave the way for taking steps to combat violence against women in politics."

In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with women who are/were actively involved in parliament and local governments, representatives from public institutions related to politics and violence against women, civil society organizations, women and youth organizations of political parties and youth networks.

This research aims to shed light on the problems of violence against women in politics in Türkiye and make an important contribution to advocacy work and change processes. Furthermore, the research results emphasize the importance of developing democracy in the country to eliminate violence against women, realize gender equality and establish a society free from violence.

You can reach the study from this link.