The Journey to Equality Continues!
Tarih: Date -
The Journey to Equality Continues!
Ankara, March 11, 2025 - An event was held at TED University campus to discuss the progress made and challenges faced in gender equality under Beijing+30. Organized by TED University Center for Gender Studies and the Embassy of Finland, the event provided an important opportunity to discuss the place of women's rights in a changing world and to strengthen solidarity.
The keynote speech was delivered by Tarja Halonen, former President of Finland and Head of the Finnish Delegation to the 1995 Beijing Women's Conference. Halonen emphasized the importance of international cooperation, solidarity and determination in the fight for gender equality. She emphasized the need to preserve hope and pass it on to future generations. The Embassy of Finland in Ankara, which supported the event, reiterated its commitment to women's rights.
Highlights of the Panel
In the panel organized as part of the event, expert speakers presented various perspectives on gender equality:
- Mariam Khan, UNFPA Turkey Representative, emphasized the importance of individual efforts in the struggle for gender equality.
“There is always a full and an empty glass. But it is up to us to fill it with the resources we have. Giving more rights to women does not reduce the rights of men. Rights are not like pizza, they do not run out as they are shared; on the contrary, they get stronger as they are used equally.” - Zeliha Ünaldı, Deputy Country Director of UN Women Turkey, shared her experience of participating in the 1995 Beijing Declaration and used the metaphor of the “Beijing Express”:
“I boarded a train and my life changed. But I am still on this journey with many of my sisters who share the dream of equality. We are moving forward in different wagons with different struggles, because our goal is to be the generation of equality and carry this agenda forward.” - Corneliu Eftodi, Regional Advisor on Gender Equality for Europe and Central Asia at UNDP Istanbul Regional Center, drew attention to the economic contribution of women's unpaid labor.
“Women produce public value in households, but gender-blind economic systems do not recognize this contribution. Prejudices shape our perceptions and perpetuate inequalities when left unchallenged. To create a fairer world, we need to reconsider our prejudices.” - Hilal Döner, Human Rights Education Program Manager at Amnesty International, emphasized the importance of international conventions protecting women's rights and activism.
“The Istanbul Convention, Beijing+30, CEDAW and the culture of consent are vital in the fight against gender-based violence. We must continue to stand in solidarity with young people in the struggle for women's rights and not give up on the individual fight for equality.”
The Journey for Equality Continues
Throughout the event, hope and intergenerational solidarity were prominent messages. Speakers emphasized the importance of passing on the struggle for gender equality to future generations. Emphasizing that the Beijing Platform for Action remains relevant today, the participants strongly reminded that the journey for gender equality continues. The event ended with a commitment to move forward in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. Participants reaffirmed their determination to continue the struggle for equality and move this process forward.