GENDER (IN)EQUALITY in TURKEY EU Accession Process Has Greatly Contributed to Accelerating the Efforts to Promote Gender Equality in Turkey

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ISSUE:5 MARCH 2015 www.ikv.org.tr / contact: [email protected] GENDER (IN)EQUALITY IN TURKEY EU accession process has greatly contributed to accelerating the efforts to promote gender equality in Turkey.

in the Turkish Grand National behind). According to GGGR, Assembly were established. Yet, female-to-male ratio of economic it is important to note that the participation and opportunity in replacement of the State Ministry Turkey is 0.43 compared to the for Women and Family Affairs with average level of all countries which the Ministry of Family and Social is 0.59. In other words, men are twice Policies were subject to severe more likely to be able to participate criticism and is considered a step- in the labour force than women back in promoting gender equality in Turkey. The figures for political due to removal of “women” from empowerment of women in Turkey the title of the Ministry. represent a more pessimistic picture: female-to-male ratio of political Gender (In) Equality in empowerment in Turkey is 0.08 Turkey: What Do the Figures compared to the average value of Say? 0.214. Although Turkey initiated Considering the steps taken comprehensive policies for by Turkey within the framework promoting gender equality in of EU accession process, these the early days of the Republic figures represent a big controversy and maintained its efforts during between the legal and institutional (CEDAW) which is the most the EU accession process, Turkey developments with regards to ender equality is (and comprehensive legal regulation at finds itself well below many gender equality in Turkey. The major G has always been) a key international level. Furthermore, countries on global rankings. In reason for such a gap between the issue in Turkey. In fact, Turkey Legal and Institutional with the aim of harmonising fact, when gender equality in policies and practices is likely to is one of the countries where Developments for Promoting Turkish legislation on gender Turkey is compared to those of EU stem from limited implementation the first legal acts regarding Gender Equality equality with the EU acquis, Member States, Turkey ranks as the of the regulations due to dominant equality between men and Considering the fact that Turkey has introduced a series of country representing the highest social norms and practices in Turkey. women date back to the 1920s. women in some of the oldest (i.e., amendments in the Constitution, gender inequality. According to Such norms and practices which In 1925, a political party for France, Italy) and relatively newest the Turkish Civil Code, Labour Law 2014 Global Inequality Index of are already deeply-rooted in the women’ rights (Women’s People (i.e. Slovenia, Malta, Bulgaria and and the Penal Code which are United Nations which is one of society are also supported by high- Party – Kadınlar Halk Fırkası) Romania) EU Member States the main legislation regulating the widely-used indices of gender level political figures which impede was established with the aim gained the right to vote and to gender policy throughout the equality, Turkey ranks 69th out of further development of gender to increase the participation be elected in the 1940s, Turkey 2000s. In addition to these legal 187 countries while the worst- equality in Turkey. As indicated in of women in politics. Five stands as one of the pioneering regulations, institutional changes performing EU Member State the 2014 Progress Report, Turkey years later, Turkish women countries for providing gender also have been brought to Bulgaria ranks as the 58th. does not fulfil the economic and were granted the right to vote equality in Europe. EU accession realize the goals of eliminating Furthermore, in 2014 Global political criteria for maintaining the in municipal elections. On 5 process has been the main discrimination against women Gender Gap Report (GGGR) equality between men and women December 1934, they were contributor for accelerating these in line with CEDAW standards. To published by the World Economic and should increase efforts to foster granted full suffrage and in the efforts. In 1985, Turkey signed that end, the General Directorate Forum, Turkey ranks 125th out women participation in labour first elections women obtained and ratified the Convention on of Women’s Status, Ministry of of 142 countries (only leaving market, policy making and decision- 18 seats in the Parliament (4.6% the Elimination of All Forms of Family and Social Policies and countries such as Algeria, Ethiopia, making in the public sector for of total seats). Discrimination against Women Equal Opportunities Commission Oman, Egypt and Saudi Arabia further alignment with EU standards.

IKV DELEGATION’S VISIT TO BRUSSELS IKV Delegation, Secretary-General Assoc. Prof. Çiğdem Nas, Deputy Secretary-General and Research Director Melih Özsöz and Brussels Representative Haluk Nuray held meetings in Brussels with representatives of EU institutions. n February, IKV Delegation Claude Juncker’s spokesperson pursued their meetings in Imet with Commissioner for Margaritis Schinas; High Brussels in March and met with European Neighbourhood Representative for Foreign Affairs Head of Turkey Cabinet of High Policy and Enlargement and Security Federica Mogherini’s Representative of the Union Negotiations Johannes Hahn’s Chef de Cabinet and former for Foreign Affairs and Security Head of Cabinet Michael Head of EU Delegation in Turkey Policy Anna Vezyroglou and Karnitschnig and Cabinet Stefano Manservisi and Turkey’s European Policy Centre’s (EPC) Member Christine Grau; Permanent Representative to the Researcher Amanda Paul. Commission President Jean- EU Selim Yenel. IKV delegation PAGE 2 ISSUE:5 MARCH 2015 19 65 19 65

IKV DELEGATION’S VISIT TO BRUSSELS IKV CHAIRMAN FROM THE FIRST PAGE uring these meetings, IKV Ddelegation has exchanged AT ULUDAĞ views regarding the latest developments in Turkey-EU relations, the accession process, ECONOMY SUMMIT the visa liberalisation, the possible revision of the Customs Union and the eighth round of the TTIP IKV and DEIK Chairman Ömer Cihad Vardan negotiations between the EU and attended the 4th Uludağ Economy Summit the US. General elections that will take place in Turkey in June, in Bursa on 13-14 March 2015. the Internal Security Package and the Readmission Agreement t the summit, economic number of countries in the world. between Turkey and the EU were Agrowth, innovation, education Chairman Vardan pointed out that also among the topics addressed and the role of women in the while the opportunities presented by during these meetings. labour market were the main topics Africa were emphasized nowadays, During their visits, IKV discussed by key political figures Africa was considered as a “hopeless Delegation gave detailed and representatives of the business continent” 13 years ago. Chairman Africa through their investments, China, India and Brazil wishing to information to EU representatives community from Turkey and abroad. Vardan mentioned that a similar goods produced and services become more active players in the about IKV and its activities. Giving a speech at the panel “Africa: attitude towards Africa was also offered. Underlining the importance region. Furthermore, it has been Furthermore, the delegation Window of Opportunity”, Chairman adopted by the Turkish bureaucracy of developing trade and investment also observed that countries such presented also the activities Vardan informed the participants and foreign delegations of Turkey partnerships, Chairman Vardan as the United Kingdom and France foreseen within the framework about the business opportunities in the 1990s; yet, the perception of emphasized that Turkey’s prestige increased their political and military of the 50th anniversary of the presented to Turkish private sector Africa is completely reversed at the and its private sector will increase engagements in Africa due to Foundation. Moreover, IKV in Africa. present time. in Africa. Chairman Vardan further security concerns while emerging Delegation had an opportunity Chairman Vardan underlined Chairman Vardan also underlined mentioned that Africa became the actors in the region act by taking to share some concrete ideas the importance of Africa not only that Turkish companies have seized centre of attraction in the 2000s more into account their economic regarding a revitalisation of for Turkey but also for a significant major business opportunities in especially for countries such as interests. Turkey’s EU negatition process.

DIRECTOR THE SECOND MEETING OF REG WAS HELD IN ANKARA GENERAL RUETE The political reform process, the level of alignment with Chapter 23 and Chapter 24, the VISITS TURKEY mechanisms to fight gender based violence, the Internal Security Reform Package were the REGARDING VISA main topics addressed in the second REG meeting. LIBERALISATION right to property for citizens irector General for Migration and to eliminate administrative Dand Home Affairs at the bureaucracy has been prepared European Commission Matthias in line with EU and international Ruete visited Ankara on 23-24 standards. February 2015. The next steps REG aims to closely monitor on visa liberalisation dialogue, the dialogue with citizens the progress made by Turkey in belonging to different cultures fulfilling the visa liberalisation and faiths and the fulfillment roadmap and the implementation of the criteria of the Visa of the Turkey-EU Readmission Liberalisation Roadmap. During Agreement were the main topics the meeting, the balanced of the agenda. In this context, approach in the first draft of the Director General Ruete held European Parliament’s Report meetings with officials from on Turkey and especially the the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, call for opening of Chapter 23 Ministry for EU Affairs and on Judiciary and Fundamental Ministry of Interior. During the Rights and Chapter 24 on meetings the terrorist attacks that Justice, Freedom and Security occurred in European cities were were welcomed. also addressed and the need to he Second Meeting of of the Turkish Grand National It has been ensured that the Lastly, in the meeting, enhance further cooperation Tthe Reform Action Group Assembly Ahmet Berat Çonkar implementation of the Action a special emphasis was put against global terrorism was (REG) was held in Ankara on and Undersecretary of the Prime Plan on Prevention of Violation on the fight against gender emphasized. 20 February 2015 with the Ministry Kemal Madenoğlu also of the European Convention on based violence. In this respect, During his visit to Turkey, participation of Minister of participated to the meeting. Human Rights is being carefully participants highlighted the Director General Ruete paid an Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, During the meeting, Turkey’s monitored. Moreover, the Draft importance of ensuring a more official visit to the Governor and Minister for EU Affairs and Chief commitment to pursue the Law Amending Law on National effective use of preventive and local authorities in Gaziantep in Negotiator Volkan Bozkır, the political reform process has Human Rights Institution and protective national mechanisms order to better assess the situation then Minister of Interior Efkan Âlâ, been underlined. It has been the draft Law on Protection of to fight against violence of Syrian migrants in Turkey. He Minister of Justice Bekir Bozdağ pointed out that regional and Personal Data have also been against women. Ongoing also visited Nizip Accommodation and Minister for Family and global challenges have revealed addressed in the meeting. work on “National Action Plan Center and observed the current Social Policy Assoc. Prof. Ayşenur the importance of protecting Regarding the Internal on Fighting Violence against conditions in the region. Director İslam. Co-Chair of the EU-Turkey fundamental rights and freedoms Security Reform Package in Women” aiming a “zero tolerance General Ruete emphasized the Joint Parliamentary Committee and of strengthening cooperation Turkey, it has been stated that principle” foreseen for the importance of Turkey’s open door Afif Demirkan, Chairman of the between Turkey and the EU in the the package aiming to guarantee period 2016-2019 has also been policy towards Syrian refugees. Committee on Foreign Affairs fight against terrorism. the security, the right to life, the assessed.

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TURKEY’S AGENDA: SECURITY FOREIGN MINISTER ÇAVUŞOĞLU AT THE PACKAGE GYMNICH MEETING inister of Foreign Affairs discuss key foreign policy issues MMevlüt Çavuşoğlu in an informal atmosphere. The attended the informal meeting Gymnich meeting in Riga was of the EU Foreign Ministers also attended by the Foreign on 6-7 March 2015 upon Ministers of other candidate states. the invitation of his Latvian The agenda of the meeting was counterpart, Edgars Rinkēvičs dominated by discussions on and EU High Representative the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and for Foreign Affairs and Security the implementation of the Minsk Policy Federica Mogherini. The agreements, the strategic review informal meetings of EU Foreign of the European Neighbourhood Ministers widely referred to as Policy, the situation in Libya and “Gymnich meetings” provide preparations for the upcoming he Draft Law on Internal an opportunity for Ministers to Eastern Partnership Summit. TSecurity constitutes an important item on Turkey’s agenda. The main discussions IKV considers that Minister and the EU, Minister Çavuşoğlu’s in the Gymnich meeting can Enlargement Strategy announced about the package focus on of Foreign Affairs Çavuşoğlu’s participation can be perceived be considered as an attempt in October 2014, highlighted the the changes that this law participation to the Gymnich is an as the strong will on the part of to address the widening gap need to increase dialogue with would lead and on whether important indication of the EU’s the EU to deepen the existing between EU common positions candidate and potential candidate the package complies with the will to include Turkey in foreign dialogue with Turkey on foreign and those of candidate countries countries on key foreign policy EU standards or not. While the policy mechanisms. In the current policy issues. vis-à-vis Russia which became issues and called for prioritizing discussions were taking place context in which foreign policy Furthermore, the more visible during the Ukraine Chapter 31 on Foreign, Security within TGNA General Assembly, cooperation is becoming even participation of the Foreign crisis. As is known, the European and Defence Policy in the an important development more important between Turkey Ministers of candidate states Commission in the 2014-2015 accession negotiations. occurred on 12 March 2015. The TGNA General Assembly decided to withdraw Vice President the part covering 63 articles, from Article 68 to Article TURKEY-EU HIGH LEVEL ENERGY of the European 130 from the package that Commission comprises in total 5 sections DIALOGUE WAS LAUNCHED with 132 articles. As a result, Šefčovič completed the enactment of the first three sections of the package which his official visit to also contains the 10 most Turkey on 16-17 controversial articles present in the first session is foreseen. March 2015 with Some of the controversial measures that expected to two concrete be implemented within the achievements: package contain amendments on provisions regarding launch of High- equality of arms, the power Level Energy of the civilian authorities, power of the police officers Dialogue and during the investigation and prosecution procedures ground-breaking as well as regarding the ceremony of TANAP. interventions during demonstrations. On the other hand, the Southern Gas Corridor with fourth and fifth sections of the South Caucasian Pipeline package that will strengthen (SCP) and Trans-Adriatic Turkey’s position in its visa- Pipeline (TAP). As it is known, free dialogue with the EU the Southern Gas Corridor and in the Progress Reports envisages the delivery of gas will be reconsidered by the inister of Energy and draft joint declaration a strong “both as a candidate country from Azerbaijan’s Shah Deniz II Commission. These parts in MNatural Resources of Turkey emphasis was placed on Turkey’s currently engaging in accession field to Europe via Turkey, question foresee that the Taner Yıldız and Vice President role as an energy hub between negotiations with the EU and a Greece and Italy. TANAP with passport procedures will be of the European Commission energy resources in the Middle contributor to the EU’s energy its 1850 km route will be run by General Directorate in charge of the Energy Union Eastern and Caspian Regions security, Turkey has made an transporting 16 billion cubic of Civil Registration and Maroš Šefčovič launched Turkey- and EU energy markets. In important progress in aligning meters of gas to Turkey and Nationality, all personal data EU High Level Energy Dialogue addition, the benefit of Turkey’s its legislation with the acquis”. Europe by the end of 2019. collected during the passport with a joint draft declaration. development as an energy hub During his visit to Turkey, During the ceremony, Vice application process will only As it is known, upgrading for both Turkey and EU was Vice President of the European President of the European be served by civil units that are cooperation among parties highlighted. This declaration Commission Šefčovič attended Commission Šefčovič specialized in this particular was discussed during the first was important to underline the to the ground-breaking underlined the importance area and also personal data meeting of the Advisory Council level of Turkish compliance with ceremony of the Trans- attributed to TANAP and the will be saved electronically. of the Southern Gas Corridor in the acquis communautaire. In Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline role of Turkey as a reliable (More on security package: Baku on 12 February 2015. In the this regard, Šefčovič stated that (TANAP), which sets up the energy partner of the EU. www.ikv.org.tr).

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TURKEY’S NEW INFORMATION SOCIETY PRIME MINISTER’S VISITS TO HUNGARY STRATEGY AND ACTION AND PORTUGAL PLAN WAS Prime Minister Prof. Ahmet Davutoğlu ANNOUNCED visited Hungary on 24 February and Portugal on 3 March 2015. rime Minister Prof. Davutoğlu area of cooperation between both Pvisited Hungary on 24 February parties. In this respect, Hungarian 2015 accompanied by a delegation Prime Minister Orbán shared his consisting of Deputy Minister concerns about natural gas supply Numan Kurtulmuş, Minister of and explained that they were in Economy Nihat Zeybekci, Minister of favour of a natural gas pipeline Energy and Natural Resources Taner which would bring them Russian Yıldız, Minister of Customs and Trade gas through Turkey and Serbia. It Nurettin Canikli and Minister for EU has been also decided to increase Affairs and Chief Negotiator Volkan trade volume between two Bozkır. countries, loans to be provided to During his visit, Prime Minister SMEs and investment funds. urkey’s 2015-2018 Information Davutoğlu attended the Turkey- Prime Minister Davutoğlu TSociety Strategy and Action Plan Hungary Strategic Cooperation made an official visit to Portugal prepared under the coordination Council Meeting. In a joint press on 3 March 2015 accompanied by of the Ministry of Development has conference held with his Hungarian a delegation consisting of Deputy been approved by High Planning counterpart Viktor Orbán, Prime Prime Minister Ali Babacan, Council and published in Turkish Minister Davutoğlu explained that Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Portuguese counterpart Pedro After the summit, the two leaders Official Journal on 6 March 2015. cooperation between the two Çavuşoğlu, Minister for EU Affairs Passos Coelho. Prime Minister held a joint press conference This Strategy which was developed countries had been reinforced at and Chief Negotiator Volkan Bozkır, Davutoğlu attended the first where Prime Minister Davutoğlu in accordance with Turkey’s 2023 cultural, economic and international Minister of National Education Portugal-Turkey Intergovernmental pointed out to the continuous goals presents 72 actions covering levels within the framework of the Nabi Avcı, Minister of Finance Summit during which various support of Portugal to Turkey’s EU different areas such as broadband strategic cooperation in NATO and Mehmet Şimşek and Minister of agreements were signed in areas membership and asked for further infrastructure and data protection. Turkey’s EU accession process. Prime National Defence İsmet Yılmaz. of trade, education, security support in economic matters and One of the main goals of this Minister Davutoğlu pointed out that During his visit Prime (mutual protection of classified Turkey’s position in regard to TTIP Strategy is to reduce the digital gap energy constituted an important Minister Davutoğlu met with his information) and food safety. negotiations. within the Turkish society mainly by providing better access to internet for families with low income and disabled persons. Also with more EU MINISTER’S VISIT TO FINLAND advanced ICTs, it is foreseen to improve the living standards Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator n the first day of his visit, 24. The same day, Minister Bozkır especially with the development of IMinister Bozkır met with the also met with Finland’s Minister for smart cities and e-health services. Volkan Bozkır visited Finland on 25-26 February Chairman of Finnish Parliament, EU Affairs and Foreign Trade Lenita Turkish government aims to 2015 upon the invitation of Finland’s Minister Eero Heinäluoma and afterwards Toivakka. reinforce the competitiveness of with Minister of Foreign Affairs In the second day of his visit, the ICT sector and to encourage the of Foreign Affairs, Erkki Tuomioja. Tuomioja. Turkey’s EU accession Minister Bozkır participated in widespread use of ICTs within other process, Turkey-EU relations and sessions of the Committee on sectors and among SMEs. The use Turkey-Finland relations were the Foreign Affairs and Committee on of cloud computing services will main topics discussed by the two the EU in the Finnish Parliament. also be encouraged. The Strategy Ministers. During a joint press He also attended a meeting which also contains a series of measures to conference, Minister Bozkır stressed was organized by the think tank improve broadband infrastructures that Finland was one of the most Paasikivi Society during which he such as making the equipment supportive countries of Turkey’s gave a speech on the opportunities of buildings with internet EU membership and accession and challenges of Turkey in Europe. infrastructure mandatory. The process. Finnish Minister Tuomioja During his visit, Minister Bozkır also government is also going to initiate drew attention to the importance of met with the members of the Union the necessary legal, administrative opening new chapters with Turkey, of European Turkish Democrats in and technical works to introduce especially chapters 15, 17, 23 and Finland. the 4G mobile broadband in Turkey. This Strategy also aims to strengthen data protection by preparing the legal framework for TURKEY PARTICIPATES IN EU’S SUPPORT TO THE personal data protection, reinforcing the fight against cybercrime and EaSI PROGRAMME SETTLEMENT PROCESS raising awareness on security urkey signed an agreement with the European Commission in pokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine practices on internet. The Strategy TFebruary 2015 to participate to two of the three pillars of the EU SRay made a joint statement at a press conference held on 28 also foresees to build a developed Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI): Progress and February 2015 with Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey Yalçın Akdoğan internet eco-system, to encourage Microfinance and Social Entrepreneurship. and the delegation of Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP). The call made internet entrepreneurship and With a total budget of 920 million Euros, the EaSI covering the period by Abdullah Öcalan to organize an extraordinary congress in spring to to turn Turkey into an important 2014-2020 aims to modernize labor market and social security systems, to decide to lay down arms was considered as a positive step within the well-renowned centre of e-trade. provide financial support for social entrepreneurship and to contribute to framework of the settlement process. At the press conference, all parties Measures to improve e-government the increase of employment rate, especially among young people. This asserted that they will seize this opportunity to make decisive progress services and to help citizens acquire Progamme contributes to the improvement of working conditions, to towards reconciliation and democratisation. The EU has also given its the skills to effectively use ICTs are the enhancement of social protection and to the fight against social strong political support to the process and ensured its readiness to also among the main priorities set exclusion and poverty. provide assistance through pre-accession funding. by the Turkish government.

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