Head of Communications Duran said, “The dignity, labour, and social value of women represent, for us, the expression of a deeply rooted understanding that lies within the fundamental values of our civilisation, beyond a modern quest for rights.”
Presidency's Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran attended the opening of the photo exhibition titled “Women Touching Lives", held at the Directorate of Communications building on the occasion of International Women’s Day on 8 March.
Speaking at the opening, Head of Communications Duran said that the event was organised not merely to mark a date on the calendar, but to highlight the active role of women in social life.
Highlighting the historical transformation of women’s labour, Head of Communications Duran noted, “The dignity, labour, and social value of women represent, for us, the expression of a deeply rooted understanding that lies within the fundamental values of our civilisation, beyond a modern quest for rights. In our culture, women are fundamental agents who establish and transform society.”
“Strong women build a strong society”
Head of Communications Duran emphasised that Turkish women have taken on key responsibilities during pivotal moments in the nation’s history, from the National War of Independence to the 15 July resistance.
Head of Communications Duran recalled that women in Türkiye attained the right to vote and stand for election ahead of many Western countries with the founding of the Republic, adding that there were periods in the past when women were excluded from education and professional life because of their beliefs. Head of Communications Duran said:
"The restrictions faced during the 28 February process, which stretched from universities to public institutions and the private sector, have thankfully been overcome today, one by one. Under the leadership of President Erdoğan, all obstacles to freedom of belief have been removed. Türkiye, particularly over the past 24 years, has taken significant steps toward institutionalising gender equality through public policies and constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening women's rights. In this process, incentives to increase women’s employment have been introduced, credit and grant programmes have been offered to women entrepreneurs, and measures such as maternity and nursing leave, as well as child allowances, have strengthened the practical foundation of legal equality. Today, women in Türkiye play a more active role not only in the field but also in decision-making processes.
Head of Communications Duran stated that empowering women and strengthening the family are complementary and drew attention to the importance of a life free from violence and economic security.
The exhibition, opened to visitors at the Directorate of Communications Exhibition Hall, features 41 photographs taken between 1934 and 1986.
The selection tells the stories of women who have left their mark in every sphere of life, from tea harvesters and ceramic factory workers to the first female announcers at Ankara Radio and Türkiye's first female taxi driver.
