Women’s groups in Turkey are protesting changes in the new constitution being drafted. A clause ensuring equal rights for all groups has been replaced by one describing women as a “vulnerable group in need of protection.”
Over 80 women’s groups have come together to voice their opposition concerning what looks like a big step backwards for gender equality in Turkey. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan claims the new draft constitution will reflect the values and needs of all constituents of Turkish society but women’s rights activist Selen Lermioglu says these changes are worrying proof Turkey is still a highly patriarchal society. In response to the new phrase, she says “No we’re not, we don’t need protection. We need equality and ask for that, not protection.” (BBC)
Turkey’s present constitution was written in 1982, and taken up after the 1980 military coup. Prime Minister Recep Tavyip Erdogan and President Abdullah Gul have made reforming the document one of the central projects of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) since being elected to power. Some other changes in the draft include a proposal to ease restrictions on the use of the Kurdish language in schools, reducing military representation on the National Security Council, and making religious lessons optional and not compulsory in the Turkish school system.
The new draft also contains a much stronger commitment to freedom of conscience and belief, and a proposal to allow girls wearing the Islamic headscarves to attend school. Though worn by 60 percent of Turkish women, the headscarf is presently banned from schools, universities and state offices. The new text additionally nullifies Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code, a law having been used in the past to prosecute writers and journalists for “insulting Turkish-ness.” Article 301 stands in opposition to the European Human Rights Agreement. Brussels has repeatedly urged Turkey to change or annul this controversial law, in favor of additional freedom of expression.
Women in Turkey are expressing their outrage over the proposed changes which could critically affect their legal status in society, as well as criticizing the fact that the government has not consulted with them, or any other citizen groups it seeks to represent in the new constitution. Turkey still remains close to the bottom of the list for gender rights in Europe.
This article was published Sunday, October 7, 2007.
