Whilst women in Turkey are preparing for the nationwide protests on ’25 November,’ the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Jin News has conducted a series of street interviews with women in Istanbul.
Women in Istanbul will organise a rally from 7 pm (GMT+3) in Tunnel Square on Istiklal Street, even as the surrounding streets have already been blocked by barriers by the police.
Women are highly critical of the Turkish government’s decision to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, which aims to protect the rights of women who are subjected to male violence.
“I think the annulment of the Convention absolutely encourages men. They want the women to always take a step behind the men and this breaks women’s courage and self-confidence,” Eda Karaca, a university student said.
“I know what the Istanbul Convention is, but I have no information about why the country withdrew from it. I think, because it offended some people. Otherwise, why was such an important contract removed?,” Gülcan Aslan Şentepe, a domestic worker said.
Women also spoke about peer pressure and physical and psychological domestic violence.
“Even if I am a working woman, I am a cook and I have always worked, but still I cannot spend my salary without asking my husband or without considering the needs of the house first. I personally would like to be able to spend my money without asking him,” Fatma Altuntaş said.
“Without any explanation, I cannot say that I am a working woman, I am strong, if I buy something this month, I can pay it. When my husband says ‘no,’ I become demoralised. I am exposed to his pressure.”
Gülcan believes that women in Turkey are mostly subjected to violence at home. “Verbal abuse, psychological violence, pressure by oppressing your thoughts, and many more types of violence we can talk about,” she said.
“Violence actually starts within the family, who always limit your actions by saying things like, ‘Oh, what would the neighbours think, what would your father say?'”
Tuğba Topçuoğlu, who works as a cashier in a market chain, says all women in Turkey are subjected to violence due to “societal pressure.”
“Violence is not just physical, but also psychological and verbal. In terms of social pressure, I think we are all subjected to violence,” she said.
Regarding emergency aid in cases of domestic violence, women have concerns about where to apply and they have serious second-thoughts, especially about applying to state institutions.
Eda believes that the state-run women’s shelters are not effective in providing security and support for women.
“Many women who are subjected to physical violence are directed to shelters, but how much shelters protect women is a question,” she said.
Fatma agreed with Eda, stating that women are being subjected to pressure in state-run shelter homes as well.
“Women run away from their home and go to women’s shelters, but there is also pressure in the shelters. Since women cannot get enough support, they also leave the shelter and they have to return back to their homes and are exposed to violence again,” she said.
Marziye Şahin, a domestic worker, says many women, including herself do not even know what their options are and where to apply when they need support.
“Many women do not know where to apply. Women need to be encouraged and need to know where to apply,” she said.
Gülcan shares concerns about the attitude of the police officers, whom many women find as their first point of contact when they are attacked or harrassed by a man.
“I do not know well how women’s shelters direct women, but women are not given the necessary information regarding these issues. When women go to the police station, they say ‘it’s your home’ and send them back home,” she said.
Women also shared their concerns regarding the impunity of male perpetrators. “There are not enough measures. Everyday, there is violence against women, but no measures,” Marziye said.
Fatma Yılmaz, a retired worker, but still looking for a job due to her harsh economic conditions, said the laws are not effective.
“I feel as if they promote the men. ‘Go for it my boy,’ they say and encourage the perpetrators. Maybe there are laws, but how effective are these laws?,” she asked.
“If the laws were adequate, this would have curbed the men,” Eda said.
Gülcan drew attention to the role of the judiciary, saying, “Men are not given any punishment. Wearing a tie, saying that they have saved their honour is enough for the judges to close the case saying that this was a case of honour,” she said.
“The honour of women should not be between the two lips of men and should not be something in between two legs,” Gülcan added.
Cennet Düzerdiş, a worker in the private sector, demanded that perpetrators should face much more serious punishment. “They need to face heavier punishment. Having been arrested for a couple of weeks or years does not make any difference,” she said.
“Since there is impunity, men are encouraged, because they are not afraid,” Ayşe Akyol added.
“So, as we all see, violence against women as well as violence against animals and violence in general increases,” Ayşe said.
Concluding the interview with a final message from Turkey to the women around the world, Marziye said: “We never bend, never. We stand strong. Look at me, at this age, I stand strong.”
