Migrant women in Turkey face violence, exploitation and systemic neglect, according to Özgül Saki, a Member of Parliament with the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party.
Speaking to Mezopotamya Agency on Friday, Saki emphasised the lack of government policies addressing the vulnerabilities of migrant women, particularly those in deportation centres and unregulated workplaces.
Saki highlighted the plight of millions of migrants and refugees in Turkey, with over 1.4 million women among the registered Syrian refugee population alone. Many women suffer from racism, sexual harassment and labour exploitation, often without recourse to legal or institutional support. “When women report abuse, they are threatened with deportation instead of being offered protection,” Saki stated.
Saki criticised migrant deportation centres (GGM) for barring access even to MPs, urging for independent monitoring. She also called for legal reforms to ensure work permits are overseen by unions and the government rather than left to employers. “Employers confiscate passports under the guise of providing permits, leaving women vulnerable to exploitation and abuse,” she explained.
The MP also raised concerns about refugee girls, citing early marriages and lack of access to education as critical issues. Families often pull girls from school due to fears of racism and harassment, perpetuating cycles of inequality. “This isn’t safety; it’s child abuse,” Saki warned, adding that inclusive policies must prioritise equality and opportunity for all.
Saki called on civil society organisations, unions and political groups to unite in addressing these challenges. “Migrant women must be empowered to organise, unionise and demand their rights. This struggle should be a core political agenda for anyone advocating for equality and freedom,” she concluded.
