Hasan Kalyoncu University (HKU) Acting Rector Prof. Dr. Edibe Sözen issued a message on the occasion of ‘’5 December World Women’s Rights Day’’.
In her message, Acting Rector Sözen said: ‘’Throughout history, the women of our civilisation have held an active place in affairs of state, in working life and within the family, making a great contribution to the shaping of our ancient culture. Under the leadership of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of our Republic, women were granted the right to vote and to be elected on 5 December 1934 through an amendment to the Constitution and the Election Law, so that they could assume the role they deserved in political life. The fact that our women were granted the right to vote and to be elected years before many countries that present themselves as the cradle of advanced democracy has always been a source of pride for us. Although our women obtained the right to vote and to be elected in 1934, for many years they were unable to exercise these rights in the real sense, in line with the goal set by Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, because of various obstacles. Some circles kept up their pressure on women in our country for years. In recent history, however, the obstacles have been overcome and women in Türkiye have been enabled to attain their true freedoms politically, economically, academically and commercially.
On the 84th anniversary of the granting of the right to vote and to be elected to our women, I pray for God’s mercy upon the patriotic women who laid down their lives for the nation, the homeland, the flag, the state and independence. I salute the women and mothers who have to live in oppressed regions under difficult living conditions. I share in the helplessness of the women in the poor lands of the world who struggle with hunger, and I sincerely wish that the women there, too, may have their place on the stage of history and a period in which they will give direction to their societies and stand out with their stance and attitude; I wish our women a much greater presence in every area of life; and I celebrate ‘World Women’s Rights Day’’.