Turkey’s Education and Science Workers’ Union (Eğitim-Sen) planned to introduce a gender equality lesson in schools on 10 March to raise awareness on gender discrimination and promote equality. As part of the initiative, teachers were encouraged to paint blackboards purple to symbolise the fight against gender inequality. However, the Turkish Ministry of Education (MEB) has strongly opposed the move, stating that such lessons cannot be taught outside the official curriculum.
The ministry issued a statement claiming that the lesson was unauthorised and did not comply with legal and constitutional regulations. It warned that no subject can be included in lessons without the approval of the Education and Discipline Board. The statement also stressed that any activity outside the curriculum would be subject to judicial and administrative measures.
The ministry further justified its position by stating: “The family is the foundation of Turkish society and education policy must reflect national and moral values. No unofficial programme will be allowed in schools.”
Istanbul Governor Davut Gül also backed the decision, saying: “Teachers must follow the curriculum. Teaching must be carried out in accordance with the official regulations, and any unauthorised subject is not allowed in classrooms.”
Eğitim-Sen has not yet announced any further action following the ministry’s warning. The decision has highlighted debates over academic freedom and gender equality in education, a long-running controversy in Turkey, where the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has been accused of reinforcing conservative policies in schools and restricting discussion of gender issues.
