On March 4, Kadir Has University released the results of “Public perceptions on gender roles and the status of women in Turkey” study. Data gathered from 1,200 people in 26 districts show that for 77.8% of respondents, the most important problem women face in Turkey is violence. Among female participants, other burning issues included “inequality” (41.8%), “lack of education” (34.8%), “peer pressure” (30.7%) and “family pressure” (26.5%). 

The study showed that 64.8% of female participants are currently unemployed and 70.2% have never held a job. In one of the most striking findings, 72.2% of women responded negatively to the question “Would you like to work?” The women cited as needing the following to consider working: 47.9% father/husband/family permission, 41.5% education and 27.9% a safe working environment.

This documented hesitance of women to work is compelling evidence of the effects of a patriarchal culture, work environments unfavorable to a healthy balance with family life and internalized gender roles.

But since everything is highly politicized in Turkey, a sane debate on any issue is rarely possible. The proponents and opponents of the ruling government interpret such figures through their own political lenses. The first group emphasizes legal improvements toward greater gender equality and slight increases in labor force participation over the years as remarkable successes. The latter group focuses on highlighting the government’s failures to address women’s issues in Turkey.