Massive Women’s Rights Protest in Istanbul
Over 3,000 women gathered in Istanbul today to participate in a demonstration marking International Women’s Day. The protest focused on issues of gender inequality and gender-based violence, which have been escalating in Turkey in recent years. Despite the peaceful nature of the march, organizers reported that police detained around 200 participants after the event concluded. In a post on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), organizers accused the police of attempting to provoke the protesters by arresting some of their members.
Protests Extend Beyond the Main Event
In addition to the main demonstration, several hundred protesters gathered earlier in the day on the Asian side of Istanbul in the Kadikoy district. Arzu Cerkezoglu, the president of the trade union DISK, spoke to AFP news agency, stating, “We fight on March 8th for democracy, equality, peace, and fraternity with our demand to end violence against women and for the ratification of the Istanbul Convention against femicide.”
Turkey’s Withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention
In March 2021, Turkey withdrew from the Istanbul Convention, which focuses on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. According to the women’s rights organization Kadın Cinayetlerini Durduracağız Platformu, at least 1,318 women have been murdered in Turkey since the country’s withdrawal, with 394 cases reported in 2024 alone. Notably, Turkish authorities do not maintain official records of femicide statistics in the country.
Criticism of Government Policy
In 2025, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared the “Year of the Family.” However, many of the women who protested criticized the president, chanting slogans like “Family shall not bind us to life” and “We will not be sacrificed for the family.” One protester told the Associated Press, “There is bullying, pressure from husbands and fathers at home, and pressure from a patriarchal society. We demand further reduction of this pressure.”
The Broader Context of Gender-based Violence in Turkey
The situation surrounding gender-based violence in Turkey is complex and deeply rooted in societal norms and political actions. Despite international criticism and domestic outcry, the government’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention has been a source of considerable controversy. Advocates argue that the lack of legal frameworks and protections exacerbates the problem, leaving women more vulnerable to violence.
Furthermore, the Turkish government has faced criticism for its handling of human rights issues, particularly those affecting women and minority groups. The consistent rise in reported femicides highlights the urgent need for comprehensive policies and effective enforcement to protect women’s rights.
International and Domestic Reactions
International organizations and domestic activists have called on Turkey to rejoin the Istanbul Convention and commit to stronger measures against gender-based violence. The European Union and various human rights organizations have expressed concern over Turkey’s withdrawal, emphasizing the importance of international agreements in safeguarding women’s rights.
Domestically, the response has been mixed, with some supporting the government’s emphasis on traditional family values, while others push for a more progressive approach that prioritizes individual rights and freedoms. This divide highlights the ongoing struggle within Turkey to balance modernity with tradition and the challenges faced by women’s rights advocates in this context.
Conclusion
The recent protests in Istanbul reflect a broader movement for gender equality and the protection of women’s rights in Turkey. As activists continue to push for change, the international community’s role in supporting these efforts remains crucial. The situation in Turkey serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing fight for gender justice worldwide, underscoring the necessity for solidarity and action in the face of adversity.