Boxes in different sizes, shapes, and features, in which women try to fit in from the day they were born in Turkey... The only similarity among them is their restrictiveness, molding women’s lives and perceptions. Boxes tell us that you should look perfect, but not too perfect that you wouldn't seduce men, who are not responsible for their actions if you are “asking for it" by showing skin; you shouldn't be skinny, but neither too fat: men would never choose a fat woman as their spouse; you should be powerful, but not too powerful that you would make men feel weak; the guilt is on you if your hijab is not covering every inch of hair because men get seduced as it's their nature. Each corner of our boxes imposes another criterion for women to get to fit in the community.
Read MoreWinning Essays
The Harvard GlobalWE Board members and essay contest managers read over all submissions and vote on the winning essay by year and school or region. In its selection criteria, Harvard GlobalWE does not advocate a specific ideology or agenda.
Harvard GlobalWE has published 99 winning essays from our Essay Contest from the past five years in a coffee table book. We are excited to announce that a limited number of books are available to share with individuals who donate $99 or more (for 99 essays!) to Harvard GlobalWE. Donate today to receive a copy of the book. Take a look at the essay contest book here. Please visit our Donate page to make a contribution and receive a copy of the book.