I'm a person who believes that every woman deserves to feel safe, respected, and equal to men. As I began researching about women's rights in Turkey, I was extremely shocked to discover that 4 out of 10 women in Turkey have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. This isn't just a statistic. These are real people, our friends, our family members, and our future. This is a serious problem that affects all women in Turkey, and we cannot stay silent. 

Turkey's laws about women are like an illusion, its looks good on paper. Like the constitution promises equality, Law No.6284 was created to protect women from violence; however, these laws are not working well in practice. Women are still getting hurt, and too often the people who hurt them face no consequences. In 2024 alone, at least 447 women were killed by men. This is not just a crime; it is a moral disappointment.

The problem got worse because Turkey left the Istanbul Convention in 2021, which was an international agreement designed to protect women from violence and protect victims. Since then, many women's shelters have reached capacity or don't exist, and many women feel they have nowhere to go. One of the most painful steps is cultural beliefs that say men should be in control, making it even harder for women to speak up or get help.

This isn't just about feelings its also supported by facts. The World Economic Forum ranks Turkey 129th out of 146 countries for gender equality. Only about 35% of women in Turkey have jobs compared to 71% of men. This economic inequality often forces women to stay in abusive relationships because they depend financially on their partners. Groups like KADER (Women Candidates Supporting Training Association) and the Purple Roof Women's Shelter Foundation are working hard to help, but they need the government to do its part.

To better understand this issue, we must also look at a real-life example.

Emine was 28 years old, and she was involved in an arranged marriage and was the mother of two children. She asked for a protective order because her husband abused her. The court gave her a protection order, but only for two weeks. After 2 weeks, her husband came back. She called the police, and they came but did nothing. Her husband killed her the next week. 

Think of Emine, she was brave enough to report her abuser to the police. A protective order was issued, but it was not properly issued. The abuser returns knowing there will be no serious consequences. The end of her story was tragic. This is a clear example of the system.

Domestic violence not only affects women physically, but it also impacts their mental health, social life and economic independence. Many women become isolated, unable to work and afraid to seek help. This creates a cycle of violence that is very difficult to escape.

A specific and important solution is:

    Fully Enforce Law No. 6284:

 We demand that police and courts take every report of violence seriously. Protective orders must be issued fast and strictly enforced. If a violent man breaks the order, he must face real jail time.

   Create More Safe Shelters:

 The government must build and fund enough shelters for women and their children in every city. No woman should ever be told there is “NO ROOM” when she is running for her life.

   Rejoin the Istanbul Convention:

 We call on Turkey to rejoin this vital international agreement. It provides a strong foundation for protecting victims and prosecuting abusers.

  Spred awareness: 

Share a post or an article on social media. To bring light to the issue. And show people the harsh truth that might not affect us, but is life change reality for women in Turkey.

 Support Women Directly:

  You can help women directly in Turkey by donating to a trusted organization. Your support helps provide shelters, emergency aid, and a safe life. This is a link where you can donate and support girls and women in Türkiye: https://donate.unwomen.org/en/earthquakes-turkiye

These changes are our chance to make a life for women in Turkey safer and more equal. Your signature in this petition sends a powerful message to leaders that we are watching and we care. This is not just about Turkey; it is about human rights and equality for all women. Women's lives matter. We must stand together and support women around the world.