UNFPA VIDEO:
CAMPAIGN FOR WOMEN'S RIGHTS IN TURKEY SHOWS SUCCESS, BY CAROLINE PATTON:
11/03/2008
(MaximsNews TV)
UNITED
NATIONS - / MaximsNews Network / 11
March 2008 -- A wide-reaching campaign in Turkey is
slowly showing progress in changing attitudes towards women and galvanizing
government action.
Although
Turkey made legal changes to protect women, they were often not well enforced
and were unable to defeat entrenched social mores and a political lack of
commitment. Changing attitudes was a challenge because they were not confined to
certain sectors of society or to those with less education.
But
a study on the frequency honor killings catalyzed political response and last
year a parliamentary committee was set up to deal with the issues surrounding
women's rights. A Prime Ministerial circular on violence against women was also
promulgated.
Local
organizations and other NGOs have been central to the campaign to raise
awareness of women's rights and violence against women. A report by the UNFPA
was one trigger of the decision to create the parliamentary committee and it has
sought to back government steps forward in this area. These organizations have
encouraged enforcement of the laws protecting women and sought political follow
through on promises to better protect women and their rights.
The
recent campaign brought together UNFPA, NGOs, government, the private sector,
and Turkish celebrities like major league football players.
One
reason for its success was the fact that it directed its message at men. For
instance, the football players have spoken out at half time of games, as well as
in movie theaters and film spots. The result has been a national rise in
awareness and the burgeoning of a discussion about the problems and challenges
facing women in Turkey.
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