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Statements on a report by Van Woman's Association (VAKAD)
offered to Convention on the Elimination of All
Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) that
Kurdish woman are 'minority' and they are press
oppressed not only because of their sexual
identities but also of their national identities
caused harsh discussions which made Turkish
committee live in difficulty.
This year's session of CADEW which is held once
every 4 years for all kinds of discrimination
against women be prevented was held in New York,
USA. Woman committees form many states covering
Turkey, Italy, Hungary, France and Brazil attended
the meeting. Turkish State Minister Güldal Akşit in
addition 27 representatives of woman organizations
joined the meeting.
VAKAD: The Kurdish woman's national identity should
be granted
Zozan Özgökçe, chairwoman of VAKAD, offering a
report on ''Minority women's situation in Turkey",
takes Kurdish women in hand as minority and
underlines that Kurd women are under pressure both
due to their sexual gender and national identities.
The report stating the Kurdish woman is subject to
violence by security forces propose that for the
solution of Kurd problem, national identity of the
Kurd woman should be granted legally. The ruling
Justice and Development Party (AKP) should take
serious measurements to prevent Kurdish women's
being subject sexual severity by state officers.
"Kurdish history, cultural and ethnic identity
should be recognized at constitutional level and the
Kurdish language should be taught at schools.
Measures should be taken to stop numberless
arbitrary military practices of the state
authorities. Village-guarding system should be
abolished. State institutions in the region should
employ translators and social counselors.
Perpetrators of human and women's rights violations
should be brought before courts and state must
recognize its crimes. Return to villages should be
granted and damages should be compensated. Special
programs should be promoted and started for the
development of the Kurdish society and sensitivity
should be arisen in favor of women rights. Social
and rehabilitation centers should be established to
serve the Kurdish women. Turkish Penal Code should
be adjusted as to prevent further honor killings and
suicide incidents."
Meanwhile head of Turkish committee State Minister
Güldal Akşit reacted to report by VAKAD by claiming
there are no minorities in Turkey but still lasting
cross-sectional instabilities reigns. After Akşin's
reaction female representatives of joining countries
asked Akşit what were the conditions Kurdish women
live in and what were the government's solution
policies, which remained Turkish delegation in
difficulty.
Brazilian group asked Akşin: "We see in the Turkish
constitution that Kurds either ethnically or
socially are not accepted as minority, so
responsibility is burdened on Kurdish women and they
are exposed to discrimination. We would like to
listen to your speech here"
Hungary: To collect data on ethnical base causes
discrimination, but you say in this connection that
'We do not recognize minority concept '. What does
this mean? There is not anything as such in our
countries. There are discrimination-based problems
every where, where distinction is talked against
women. Here, there is racial discrimination
possibility. What does it mean to say 'there is no
discrimination'? Kurds have been harmed in last 10
years. We are happy that harassment on Kurdish
minority has ended. We are curious about what has
been doing against sexual discriminations on Kurdish
women? Is there a psychological convey on them? Does
the government back these people?
Italy: Kurdish women in rural areas do not know
Turkish; therefore, their participation is social
life will be difficult. What has been doing on this
matter?
Ghana: There are problems related with the
recognition of Kurd women's special position,
language, education and health. We would like to see
the steps taken in these fields. Newly made laws by
the government are significant improvements, but not
sufficient. We think that traditional role are
weighted in countries like yours which have
traditional cultures, but they should be changed.
What steps do you, as government, think to take
against cultural practices giving way to
discrimination?
Egypt: You said there is no minority. This may be
your political opinion. You also mentioned
undeveloped regions, which are those? If there are
distinct traditions in those areas, how do you solve
the traditional problems for the sake of respect to
all women's rights in Turkey.
France: There are minorities in Turkey, as are in
other countries, yet the officials said there are no
minorities. There are Kurds and those whose mother
tongue is not Turkish. What has been done for their
attendance to schools?
Philippines: I have carefully listened to Republic's
approach to minorities. I respect the government's
view, but do not agree with it. The Kurdish woman
has become marginal much. I hope the officers will
give place to the problem on the official reports
and solve.
'In stead of response, Akşit charges the askers'
Zozan Özgökçe, head of VAKAD, giving information
about the meeting to DIHA pointed out Akşit
discussed with Philippine agent in stead of
answering questions." That Akşit charged the
representatives who asked questions in place of
responding them. Philippine committee told us that
that personal attack of Turkish side resulted from
their difficulty in finding answer to the question"
she said.
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