Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Women’s rights and gender equality are a core priority for the EU and therefore crucial to EU-Turkey cooperation, as part of the accession process. The EU considers that only active gender policies and mainstreaming in all areas can lead to real gender equality, a principle that its Member States follow when adopting measures in this field. Participants of the event discussed EU policies for gender equality, the concept of zero tolerance for violence and abuse, and the space for women in decision-making, employment and education in Turkey.

A forum moderated by Kaan Yakuphan had artists, activists, workers, and representatives of various professions and socio-economic backgrounds set to look at the theme of "Freedom, Equality and Rights”. Questions to reflect upon include women's contribution to equality and freedom, gender roles, and whether gender quotas are necessary for employment or politics. The forum included discussants such as journalist Kemal Göktaş, LGBT activist Tuna Şahin, winner of the trans-beauty contest Yankı Bayramoğlu, Syrian immigrant Yasmin Holoubi, tram driver Burçin Tuncel and cleaner İrma Nakevkhrisvili.