"Empowerment Seeking Under Hardship" by Ipek Sayiner

“A society that leaves the woman behind is doomed to be left behind.” said Atatürk. He was the founding father of the Turkish Republic and created a democratic nation nearly 100 years ago. Today, participants from Turkey are able to submit essays on a global issue as “Woman Empowerment” with great awareness thanks to him. If Turkish women can work, receive education, vote and possess marital rights it is by the forward-thinking of Atatürk. Unfortunately, the rights for woman in society and family have not accelerated but diminished because of the pragmatic influence of irrational cultural aspects on Turkish citizens. Advertisements, wage gap, maternal freedom, political status are solid evidence for the unrightful treatment of woman all around the world and Turkey. If female individuals surmount the cultural obstacles presented by communities and governments, they are capable of achieving scientific innovations, ruling nations and, displaying art and literature.

Being present in today’s world as a woman is challenging every single day. The world develops technologically, expands physically every second. However, does humanity pursue this path, or does it keep on creating social norms, gender responsibilities, and pragmatic relationships? How many more lives needs to be sacrificed for impartiality? History is the most accurate demonstration for this argument. For example, the first Turkish woman actor was born into a strict culture with the conclusion that a woman could not act on stage. Afife’s passion for the stage led her to take bold steps to attain her objective. Performing. She was disowned by her father, sent to court for violating national and religious rules, changed her name to “Jale” while illegally performing so that her family wouldn’t know. She needed an overwhelming breakdown to have an undeniable breakthrough. In 1923, when Atatürk proclaimed the Turkish Republic; woman were able to act, along with many other autonomies. Afife became the first woman actor in Turkey and an inspiration for her colleagues in the future. Afife Jale is an example of what a woman could achieve if the stereyotypical point of view is eliminated.

Employing women in a conservative society requires extra effort and determination. From education to building a career when there is a male priority, balancing family and degree development. The ideal female figure must take care of it’s kids, prepare a meal plan for every night, keep busy with domestic chores and admire the man, keep waiting for their rescue. But who puts them into these molds? The same people who ask if the dinner is ready or if their shirt is ironed. People that persuaded you, marriage is superior compared to education. At a point women let them. Not because it was easier or convenient but because they felt a responsibility to fulfill motherhood, marriage and domestic chores. These are not obligations but the burden that women have carried for many years. Türkan Saylan has surmounted these obstacles back in the 20th century and became the most outstanding doctor for treating leprosy that she was water later on caught too. Saylan addressed an organization for being corrupted, 20 years ago, when today Turkey is battling to eradicate the embedded members in the government because they were too late. She realized this “terror organization” (what it is called now) that brainwashed student to become a part of them. It wasn’t taken seriously because a woman spoke so bravely that the government was “honorable” enough to maintain the authority. Türkan Saylan decoded the most dangerous organization which is still a threat to Turkey and was suppressed out of male dominance.

440 murders, 26% marrying under the age of 18, 38% experiencing physical violence and 575 subjected to sexual harassment. All these data collected in a year have one thing in common. Women exposed to them. Disregarding the age, belief or race of woman, all are vital for the sustainability of this world. In order to conquer the solid beliefs of society woman must accumulate and collaborate on a common goal: independence. Independence will free the ones in handcuffs. An economic and socially self-sufficient woman will not only achieve peace and equality in the world but also put an end to the ongoing cycle of unfairness. Unfairness between genders, race and religion. Although the community is responsible for manipulating each other for years, woman will empower each other, because empowered woman empower each other.