Federation of Women

Violence against women continues to be a grave problem in Türkiye, as the number of femicides rose from 348 in 2021 to 381 last year, which means at least one woman fell victim to femicide every day last year alone, shows the data from the Federation of Women's Associations of Türkiye (TKDF).

The murderer of university student Pınar Gültekin, Cemal Metin Avcı has been served with a reduced prison sentence of 23 years on the grounds of "unjust provocation" on June 20.

The 13th hearing of the case was held at the Muğla 3rd High Criminal Court.

Avcı stated that he was remorseful and said that he committed the murder alone.

As the violence against women and femicides continues to be a deeply rooted and prevalent issue in Turkey, human rights defenders and activists are debating whether the hotlines called "calm lines" will help prevent the violence the way it partly did in Colombia.

A new social solidarity movement has been launched for women who are subjected to domestic violence and have limited access to technological devices.

The motto of the campaign, initiated by Teknosa, the Sabancı Foundation and the Federation of Women's Associations (TKDF), is "technology for women, solidarity for all."

It was excellent to see women banding together and making their voices heard on the government's recent child sex abuse bill. They were able to solve part of this issue. But a significant part of it is still there.  

A bill proposed by the ruling Party of Justice and Development (AKP) in Turkey has enjoyed mixed reception in Parliament and among the public.

Under the draft amendments, perpetrators of sexual abuse of children may avoid being prosecuted if they get married to the victim.