Sexist Ramadan decision by municipality: Women to leave work early 'to cook'!

Samsun Metropolitan Municipality has signed off on a scandalous Ramadan decision. Female staff working at the municipality have been granted permission to leave work early before iftar to prepare meals at home. The sexist decision has become the focus of backlash on social media. 

The AKP-run Samsun Metropolitan Municipality has decided that female personnel may leave work one hour before the end of their shift throughout the month of Ramadan. The controversial, sexist decision argued that in addition to their responsibilities regarding fasting and worship, women have roles such as "preparing meals at home, ensuring peace within the family, and teaching religious values to children."

The official letter stated that the month of Ramadan further emphasizes the social roles of women, claiming that they have a duty to strengthen the religious atmosphere. The letter stated, "The fact that International Women's Day on March 8 coincides with the month of Ramadan serves as an occasion to once again remember the value women possess in both religious and social terms. In this context, it has been deemed appropriate by the Office of the Mayor for our female personnel to leave work 1 hour before the end of their shift throughout the month of Ramadan and to benefit from a 50 percent discount at our Samsun Metropolitan Municipality Social Facilities specifically for March 8, International Women's Day."

CHP Samsun Provincial Chair Mehmet Özdağ reacted in a statement on his social media account, saying, "The deep poverty for which the AKP government is responsible hits women and children the hardest. You have dragged society into the clutches of hunger. Why only a 50% discount for one day on March 8? Provide a 50% discount to women at municipal facilities every day. First, see women as individuals. Women decide for themselves how they will spend their time."

News Source: 12punto