The pandemic period hit women hard

CHP Women's Branches Chair candidate Kır emphasized in her statement that the rate of women's participation in the labor force in Turkey is not at the desired level. Referring to data released by ENAG regarding the past year, Kır stated, "According to the data, the inflation rate has reached 130 percent; the rate felt in the kitchen, at home, at work, in the market, and at the bazaar has exceeded 150 percent. This high inflation has further deepened economic hardships and made the processes of finding and keeping a job particularly difficult for women. Such high inflation reduces women's purchasing power and increases their cost-of-living struggles. This situation poses a serious threat to our women, who are left facing the risk of losing their economic independence," she said. 

THE PANDEMIC LEFT MANY UNEMPLOYED

Pointing out that many women were left unemployed during the pandemic process, Kır continued as follows:

"ENAG data clearly reveals the rise in female unemployment during the post-pandemic recovery process. Urgent action must be taken to increase female employment and eliminate economic inequality. Policies that encourage women's participation in the labor force must be developed. The principle of equal pay for equal work must be adopted, and the obstacles women face in working life must be removed. For example, practices such as parental leave policies and flexible working hours in workplaces implemented in Finland have achieved great success in increasing women's labor force participation."

'CHP IS THE PARTY WITH THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF FEMALE MAYORS IN TURKEY'

Stating that supportive measures such as flexible working hours, childcare facilities, and family-friendly work policies should be taken to ensure gender equality in working life, Kır noted the following:

"Programs to encourage female entrepreneurship and financial support must be increased. Furthermore, positive discrimination policies such as quota applications should be adopted to ensure women hold more positions in senior management. The women's quota implemented in Germany has enabled women to take more seats on boards of directors and has made significant contributions to gender equality. Economic development and social welfare are only possible through the equal participation of women in economic life. Sustainable development is unthinkable without the labor and contribution of women. Therefore, we will work together to increase female employment and eliminate economic inequality."

News Source: 12punto