Will the Reinstatement of the Death Penalty in Turkey Prevent Violence Against Women?

Will the Reinstatement of the Death Penalty in Turkey Prevent Violence Against Women?
Aylin Unver Noi , The World Post, 24 Feb 2015

Since February 11, 2015, Turkey has been shaken by the brutal killing of a 20-year-old university student, Özgecan Aslan, who was allegedly killed after resisting rape. Her death became a rallying cause for activists campaigning to end violence against women in Turkey. Mass demonstrations took place to protest violence against women. Women nationwide have worn black in condemnation of the murder. Not only women but also Turkish men wearing skirts demonstrated in Istanbul to support women's rights in her memory. The slaying of Özgecan revealed the fact that violence against women has increased in recent years in Turkey. Human rights monitor Bianet says 281 women murdered in 2014. The number of murder increased 31 percent in comparison to the previous year. Nine percent of these women had asked for protection from the state. What went wrong and why has violence against women increased in Turkey?
Almost a decade ago, Turkey became one of the pioneer countries to launch several initiatives for women's rights in the Broader Middle East and North Africa region. The country actively assumed a role in Western projects and hosted several conferences related to women's rights. Governments of Turkey, Italy and Yemen, in partnership with their civil society organizations -- namely, No Peace Without Justice, The Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV) and the Human Rights Information and Training Center -- became part of the Democracy Assistance Dialogue (DAD) of the U.S.-led Broader Middle East and North Africa Initiative (BMENA), which set up in order to support and encourage reform of democracy within the region by fostering constructive dialogue between governments and members of civil society. Turkey, as a co-sponsor of DAD, focused on advancing dialogue and reform in the areas of empowerment of women. Significant activities have taken place with the sponsorship of Turkish government in Turkey emphasizing women in public life.

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