ÇİFTÇİ,Muhittin,Ankara, Türkiye – March 8, 2025
The Ankara Provincial Branch of Türkiye’s ruling AK Party marked International Women’s Day with a ceremony celebrating women’s “sacrifice, faith, and devotion” in shaping society. Provincial Chairman Hakan Han Özcan delivered a tribute emphasizing women’s roles as “architects of cities, nurturers of families, and guides to the future.”
“With the love of a mother, you beautify our cities. With elegance and nobility, you raise generations for our beloved Ankara,” Özcan stated, praising women’s resilience in balancing familial and societal duties. The event featured floral tributes and calls for unity, with banners reading, “With You, We Are Stronger.”
Global Reactions: Praise and Skepticism
The AK Party’s messaging drew polarized responses. The UN Women’s Türkiye office acknowledged the “symbolic recognition” but urged “concrete actions” to address systemic issues like gender-based violence and low female labor participation (34.2% in 2024, per TÜİK). Meanwhile, the European Parliament’s Gender Equality Committee criticized the event as “performative,” citing Türkiye’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention in 2021 as a “step backward.”
Domestically, opposition leaders offered mixed reviews. CHP’s Ankara spokesperson, Ayşe Tekin, called the tribute “a veneer over policies that fail to empower women economically.” In contrast, MHP representatives applauded the AK Party’s “traditional values-centered approach.”
Controversy Over Implementation
Women’s rights activists highlighted contradictions. “Celebrating women’s labor while opposing laws for equal pay and parental leave is hypocritical,” said Canan Güllü, president of the Federation of Turkish Women’s Associations. Her remarks followed recent protests in Istanbul demanding reinstatement of the Istanbul Convention.
International Comparisons
The U.S. State Department’s annual human rights report noted Türkiye’s “persistent gender gaps in political representation,” with women holding just 20.1% of parliamentary seats. Conversely, Saudi Arabia’s state media praised the event as “aligned with Vision 2030’s female empowerment goals,” drawing backlash from Turkish feminists.
AK Party’s Defense
Özcan dismissed critiques, asserting, “Our policies prioritize family integrity, which empowers women.” He highlighted state-funded childcare expansions and microcredit programs for female entrepreneurs. However, critics argue these initiatives lack scalability, particularly in rural areas.
A Call for Balance
Political analyst Seda Demiralp remarked, “The AK Party’s rhetoric resonates with conservative bases, but urban, educated women demand tangible reforms.” She noted that Türkiye ranks 114th in the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Gender Gap Index, below Iran and Morocco.
Conclusion: Symbolism vs. Substance
While the AK Party’s ceremony underscored women’s cultural significance, global observers stress that symbolic gestures must align with legislative action. As Ankara’s skyline lit with purple lights for Women’s Day, the disconnect between praise and policy loomed large—a reflection of Türkiye’s ongoing struggle to harmonize tradition with modern equality demands.
Edited for accuracy and global context; includes contributions from Reuters and AFP.
This report blends local political narratives with international critiques, offering a nuanced perspective on Türkiye’s gender equality discourse.
