Gender equality

Turkey needs to create a new economic narrative. Several problems, old and new, have been squeezing the basics of the country's economy of late. In addition to escalating security concerns, problems in the judicial system and the media climate, as well as economic woes in Turkey's oil-exporting markets, have worsened the situation. 

New report from the International Labor Organization has highlighted the enormous challenges women continue to face in finding and keeping decent jobs around the world, noting that the difference in the employment rate between men and women had decreased only by 0.6 percent since 1995.

Istanbul has the best record in regards to gender equality among 81 Turkish provinces, while the eastern province of Bitlis has been named the least equalitarian province, according to a recent survey.

Despite the fact that it is generally now romanticized into just another commercial day like Mother's Day or Valentine's Day, March 8 "Women's Day" was originally called "International Working Women's Day." The U.N. and other international organizations for gender equality, as well as national institutions across the world, now use the day to increase awareness of the subject.

A number of high-profile entertainers - including Oprah Winfrey, Mary J. Blige, Charlize Theron and Meryl Streep - have signed an open letter calling on world leaders to fight for gender equality across the globe.

Sabanc? Holding Chairwoman Güler Sabanc? has said women's participation in business life is not a preference, privilege or a matter of equality, but rather an obligation to lead the country to success and growth, in a written statement ahead of International Working Women's Day on March 8.

Don't be surprised if you soon come across products that carry the logo of the United Nations' Women's Empowerment Principles (WEP).

When you see that logo on that product, you will know that the company that produced that product is working for the empowerment of women, both at its workplace and on a global level.

A study focusing on gender roles and the status of women in Turkish society has revealed that a majority of Turkish women have never held a job and are not looking for employment, while also exposing public perceptions on women's employment, representation and sexuality.

Turkish Family Minister Sema Ramazano?lu has blamed early marriage, underemployment and a lack of access to education for female poverty.     

Turkish businesswoman Nur Ger has been appointed as the business world spokesperson of the United Nations Women's Empowerment Principals (UN WEP), an initiative that works to promote gender equality around the world.