Problem of Women’s Participation in Local Governments Project (2018)

The women in Turkey obtained their right to vote and to be elected in the local governments with the adoption of Municipal Law on 3 April 1930 prior to the women of various western countries. However, despite the fact that this happened 87 years ago, it is observed that the representation of women in local governments in Turkey is significantly low. The average proportion of women in 30 different countries is 23.9 percent, whereas this proportion is only 2.32 percent in Turkey. From the Republic era till now, the number of male mayors has become 31000; whereas, the number of female mayors has become 119.

During the 2-day workshop, the following topics will be focused on.

• Gender and Politics
• The Role of Women in Local Governments
• Identity of Women Within Political Participation
• Patriarchal Culture in Political Parties
• Weak Representation of Women in Political Processes
• Gender Quota, Gender Parity and Other Solutions

As a result of the workshop, a comprehensive report will be written and be shared with the local governments. The workshop to be held under the project will draw attention to the low representation of women in local governments.