BY FERAI TINC
HURRIYET- Everybody was saying that we should take democratization steps not because the Europeans want it, but for ourselves, and that if we can’t get European Union membership, we should call them ‘the Istanbul criteria’ and blaze our own path. But we can’t take those steps even if the EU wants them, because our way is littered with hurdles. The amendment on gender equality was roundly rejected by Parliament in the first round of voting. Saddled by such a mentality, can we take any step for ourselves? Female deputies of the opposition People’s Republican Party (CHP) plan to bring to Parliament a new gender proposal which is also supported by women’s organizations. The reform package in its current form says that the state is responsible for implementing gender equality. The women’s organizations and the female CHP deputies want to add a sentence saying, ‘Temporary measures and arrangements towards this end cannot be considered discrimination or privilege.’ According to the Women’s Human Rights Foundation, this sentence is vital for the following purposes:
* Extending women’s opportunities for representation both in the Parliament and politics in general.
* Expanding women’s representation in public institutions.
* Ensuring equal opportunities with men in the business world.
* Creating equality of opportunity in education for girls
* Changing laws which discriminate against women.
Those resisting such measures know that opposing gender equality is wrong. Democracy is based on equality, and there is a right to equality. Sensitivity about rights and equality starts with gender equality. If we can’t change this mentality, other changes will make no sense.