Turkey Struggles To Protect Women From Gender-Based Violence

A sign places at the entrance of a small park carries the name of the late Muhterem Evcil, in Istanbul, Turkey, Wednesday, March 6, 2024. Muhterem Evcil was stabbed to death by her estranged husband a

In a tragic incident that shook Turkey, Muhterem Evcil was fatally stabbed by her estranged husband at her workplace in Istanbul, despite repeated harassment and a restraining order against him. Her sister, Cigdem Kuzey, believes that Evcil's life could have been spared if authorities had enforced laws protecting women and held her husband accountable.

Evcil's murder in 2013 sparked calls for greater protection for women in Turkey. However, activists argue that the country has made little progress in preventing violence against women. According to the We Will Stop Femicides Platform, at least 403 women were killed in Turkey last year, with the majority of cases involving current or former spouses and close acquaintances.

Activists attribute these killings to deeply entrenched patriarchal norms in Turkey and a growing desire among women for independence and equality. Despite being the first country to sign and ratify the Istanbul Convention in 2011, Turkey withdrew from the treaty in 2021 under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's leadership, citing conflicts with conservative values.

President Erdogan's stance on gender equality has been controversial, with him stating that men and women are not biologically equal and emphasizing traditional family roles. While his government has introduced legislation to address violence against women, critics argue that more needs to be done to protect women effectively.

Activists call for better enforcement of laws and reinstatement of the Istanbul Convention.

Muhterem Evcil's tragic murder highlights failures in protecting women in Turkey.

403 women were killed in Turkey last year, mostly by spouses or acquaintances.

Patriarchal norms and lack of gender equality contribute to violence against women.

Women's rights activists continue to advocate for the reinstatement of the Istanbul Convention and demand better enforcement of existing laws. They call for the establishment of a hotline for women facing violence, increased availability of women's shelters, and stricter penalties for offenders.

Despite the challenges, activists remain committed to raising awareness and seeking justice for victims of gender-based violence in Turkey. The annual demonstrations on International Women's Day and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for women's rights in the country.

As Turkey grapples with the persistent issue of violence against women, the memory of Muhterem Evcil and other victims serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for societal change and effective legal protection for women.