03/08/2026
At the beginning of the 1900s, courageous women who stood against injustice and refused to give up their struggle started a movement that has continued to this day. Yet unfortunately, we are still unable to prevent women from experiencing violence, being brutally murdered, and suffering from all forms of abuse.
In our country alone, more than 400 women were killed in 2025 according to official records. I am not even including the heartbreaking number of children who also lose their lives to violence. We hope that countries around the world will come together and implement stronger and more effective laws to put an end to these tragedies.
Our women are resilient, strong, and determined. They stand tall, they do not easily bow down, and they carry immense courage in their hearts. We are the descendants of Nene Hatun, Kara Fatma, Safiye Ali, Halide Edip Adıvar, Sabiha Gökçen, and Afife Jale, women who demonstrated the strength and courage of Turkish women to the world.
We also express our deepest gratitude to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who granted women their rights and elevated them to the place they deserve in society.
For this reason, fighting for women’s rights and continuing this struggle is the responsibility of all of us. With the hope that by standing hand in hand we can end these injustices and pains, I wish everyone a meaningful International Women’s Day on March 8th.
