MEDİNE MAMEDOĞLU

Amed- Men killed 31 women in July, according to Jinnews. In the first eight months of 2022, at least 30 women were killed every month. In the last four days, three girls and two women were killed just in Şırnak province. While the Turkish government keeps silent against these alarming femicide figures, women’s associations consider the biggest reason for the increase in femicide cases is the lack of actions against gender-based violence. They also think that the government gives up women’s right to life for its ambition of remaining in power.

“Flattered men deny women’s rejections and consciousness”

We spoke to Rosa Women’s Association Board member Raife Camcı about the increase in femicide cases in Turkey. Raife Camcı points out that one of the reasons for the recent increase in femicide cases is the women’s rejection of men. Stating that four women were killed by men in four days, she said, “The men, who are flattered by society, see violence against conscious and organized women as a solution. The femicide cases increase because more women seek their rights and say no to men. Men have been flattered by society for years. They see women as weak and deny women’s rejections and consciousness.”

“Violence against women increases after each statement of the government”

Underlining that their society marginalizes women and encourages men, Raife Camcı said that the government also encourages men to use violence against women. “Violence against women increases after each statement of the government. Men see themselves as guards of honor. In recent years, more women seek their rights thanks to awareness-raising activities carried out by women’s organizations. We can say that there is a women’s potential although Turkey withdrew from the Istanbul Convention. As their potential gets stronger, the attacks on them increase. However, the statements made by the ruling party and masculine mentality revealed in press outlets affect society. Several days ago, an imam addressed women and said ‘Women must not go out and laugh loudly’.

“The government carries out such policies against women to remain in power”

Noting that the government, which does not want women to be conscious, carries out such policies against women to remain in power, Raife Camcı said, “It attacks everyone whenever it sees its power is at risk. The ruling party tries to stop women whenever women reject violence against them. The ruling party is afraid of this woman's potential. It does not take precautions against femicides and ignores violence against women so that women do not organize and harm the masculine mentality that has strengthened its power. The biggest reason for the increase in femicide cases is the lack of measure. The government carries out such policies against women to remain in power.”

“The government thinks about its own quota instead of women's right to life”

In addition to these statements, Turkey’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention also increases the femicide cases, Raife Camcı said, “The withdrawal from the convention encourages men more. When the ruling party saw that women organized and criticized more, it withdrew from the convention. The government thinks about its own quota instead of women’s right to life. It prefers to remain in power instead of protecting women.”