Women's participation in Turkiye's politics: obstacles and challenges

Abstract

The article examines the obstacles faced by women in Turkiye who pursuit of political involvement and leadership. It sheds light on the problems that still exist today despite the fact that Turkiye has made great positive changes regarding women's rights and gender equality. These obstacles are categorized into structural, institutional, and cultural obstacles. Each category is explored in depth, revealing how these barriers collectively impede women’s full participation in political life. Understanding these barriers is critical for several reasons. First, equitable political representation is the cornerstone of democratic governance, and removing barriers to women’s participation is essential to ensuring that diverse perspectives are included in decision-making processes. Second, persistent inequalities in political representation can reinforce broader gender biases, impacting women’s opportunities and influence across sectors. Furthermore, addressing these challenges can help build a more inclusive and representative political system, which is crucial for the legitimacy and effectiveness of democratic institutions. By highlighting these obstacles, the article underscores the need for continued efforts to address gender inequality in Turkish politics. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of the challenges women face in political life and provide insights into possible ways to achieve greater women’s participation in political representation.