“We don’t give up” say women protesting Turkey's withdrawal from Istanbul Convention
Women across Turkey keep taking to the streets to protest Turkey’s withdrawal from Istanbul Convention. “We know that femicide is political, we will build a free and equal society with women’s struggle and solidarity in every sphere of life. We don’t give up for freedom and right to life,” said the women of Denizli and Izmir took to the streets last night.
News Center- Protests of women against Turkey’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention continue. Women have protested the decision by issuing statements, organizing marches, hanging banners, and launching campaigns on social media platforms since March 20 to make their voice heard. They always state that they will never give up on the Istanbul Convention and that they don’t recognize the decision. Last night, women of Denizli and Izmir provinces took to the streets to protest the decision.
Women of Denizli reacted to the withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention
Denizli Women’s Platform members issued a press statement at Çınar Square of the province. The women carried a banner reading, “Istanbul Convention keeps alive” and shouted slogans such as, “Istanbul Convention keeps alive”, “Real justice not male justice”, “We don’t remain silent, fear or obey” and “Long live women’s solidarity”. Ayşegül Odabaşıoğlu read the statement on the behalf of the women.
“We are stronger together against the perpetrators of male violence and child abuse and those who acquit them. We know that the attacks on the Istanbul Convention are an important step for attacks on our gained achievements. We announce that we don’t give up even one of our rights and that we protect ourselves.”
Protest of women of KESK in Izmir
Confederation of Public Employees' Unions (KESK) Women’s council members gathered in front of Türkan Saylan Culture Center in Izmir and issued a press statement to protest Turkey’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention. Hülya Çağlar read the statement on the behalf of the women. “The political power is responsible for ensuring life safety for women, for developing the achievements of the women's struggle, and for building an equal and fair society. Withdrawal from a treaty known as Istanbul Convention is an attempt. According to the principles of the state of law, the decree issued by a President is void. It is against the 90th article of the Constitution. Istanbul Convention is an international convention and it has the force of law.”
“We don’t give up”
“We will not obey to the oppressive and patriarchal demands of the political power, which sees the Istanbul Convention as a threat,” Hülya Çağlar said, “We know that femicide is political, we will build a free and equal society with women’s struggle and solidarity in every sphere of life. We don’t give up on freedom and the right to life.”