Women's right to vote and run for office turns 91: 'The struggle for equal representation continues'
On the 91st anniversary of women gaining the right to vote and run for office in Turkey, KA.DER President Yeşim Akpolat emphasized that the struggle for equal representation for women continues.
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Women in Turkey gained the right to vote and run for office on December 5, 1934. This date is not just a legal achievement, but a victory won after years of struggle, marking the realization of women's demand for equal citizenship. However, even 91 years later, adequate representation of women in politics has still not been achieved.
THE STRUGGLE FOR EQUAL REPRESENTATION CONTINUES
KA.DER (Association for the Support of Women Candidates) President Yeşim Akpolat stated that the struggle for equal representation for women continues unabated, declaring, "Equal representation is won through struggle; there is no turning back." Akpolat emphasized that the rights women have gained must always be protected to ensure they remain permanent.
Although Turkey was one of the pioneering countries regarding women's political rights, there is still a significant inequality in political representation. The process that began with the first 18 female deputies entering Parliament in 1935 has not progressed further. Today, women's representation is still below 20 percent. In local governments, only 3% of mayors and 11% of municipal council members are women. This situation is a clear indicator of structural exclusion in politics.
To date, no female deputies have ever been elected in 17 provinces of Turkey. Provinces such as Kırklareli, Kırıkkale, Kilis, Rize, and Artvin are in this group. This reveals not only a lack of female representation but also geographical inequality. Women's participation in politics in different regions of Turkey still faces major obstacles.
In the 2023 elections, female deputies were elected in three provinces: Giresun, Nevşehir, and Osmaniye. While this development is positive, the fact that there are still zero female deputies in 17 provinces shows that progress is slow and uneven. It is clear that more steps must be taken for the equal representation of women.
ACTION MUST BE TAKEN TO BREAK GLASS CEILINGS
KA.DER issued the following call to political parties for the equal representation of women: "We cannot wait to break the glass ceilings; political parties do not have the luxury of avoiding responsibility." As long as equal representation for women is not achieved, policies that reflect the true needs of society cannot be produced, and democracy remains incomplete.
KA.DER stated that all political parties should adopt egalitarian candidacy processes, such as the zipper system. It was also emphasized that instances of political violence, mobbing, and hate speech directed at women must not go unpunished. It was stated that the struggle will continue until women are represented at least equally in decision-making mechanisms.
"WE HAVE BEEN STRUGGLING FOR 91 YEARS, WE ARE NOT GIVING UP"
Women's right to vote and run for office was won 91 years ago, but it is necessary to fight to protect and advance this right. KA.DER once again reminded everyone of the transformative power that women's organizations, activists, and the feminist movement have brought to this country. Equal representation should be seen not just as a right, but as a necessity for the healthy functioning of democracy.
On the 91st anniversary of the struggle for women's equal representation, KA.DER once again delivered a strong message: "Equal representation is won through struggle. The struggle is ours. The power is ours. There is no turning back."