PM Üstel says women taking on more prominent roles in society
Date Added: 05 December 2023

Prime Minister Ünal Üstel said that Turkish Cypriot women have begun to take more prominent roles in decision-making mechanisms, becoming empowered economically, socially, culturally, and politically.

The prime minister issued a message on the occasion of December 5 International Women’s Rights Day which marks the day when women in Türkiye were granted suffrage following amendments made to the constitution on December 5, 1934.

Üstel expressed that this change paved the way for women to assume their deserved role in political life, just as they should be in every area.

“The acquisition of the right to vote and be elected by women in political life is one of the most important revolutions realized in social life. With this change made possible by the modern vision of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Turkish women gained the right to vote and be elected even before many of the most developed countries in Europe,” he said

Pointing out that the progress of nations on the path of civilization is measured by the value women receive, the equality and freedom they experience in life, Üstel emphasized Atatürk’s value for Turkish women and his clear emphasis on the importance of women in the development and progress of societies with his statement: “A society cannot progress technically or scientifically unless it walks towards the same goal with all its women and men.”

Üstel highlighted that the Turkish Cypriot woman has embraced this vision, actively playing roles in existence and freedom struggles, participating effectively in social life with a modern, educated, and productive personality. He noted that women have fought earnestly to assert their rights.

The Prime Minister emphasized that thanks to this honourable struggle, the Turkish Cypriot women have started to take their deserved place in economic, social, cultural, and political terms, participating in decision-making mechanisms. He underlined the significant responsibility that falls on the state, governments, institutions, and civil society in this regard.

Üstel drew attention to the fact that removing all obstacles from the social and economic life to political life for women in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and enabling women to achieve a more secure, free, and much more productive structure on their own requires a collective effort.