Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan, “Our women tradesmen, you are the representatives of the achievements of Turkish women in socio-economic life from the past to the present.”
Pekcan participated in the 8 March International Women’s Day event of the Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESK), held with the video conference method.
Pointing out that significant progress has been made on women’s rights from past to present in Turkey as in many countries, Pekcan said, “While working to ensure women’s rights even more effectively and to ensure more equitable conditions, on the other hand, we should never tolerate discrimination and even abuse and violence that women may be subjected to, and we should fight against them altogether.”
Pekcan stated that although the judicial authorities and the judiciary have important responsibilities in the prevention of violence against women, everyone has great responsibilities and said:
“We should not tolerate the slightest of these attitudes and behaviors, and apply social pressure to people who are prone to violence, who make violent discourses, whether they are our relatives or our neighbors or friends. I consider and hope that we can only defeat violence against women with such methods, with total social pressure and struggle.”
As the Ministry of Commerce, Pekcan also gave information about the work they have done to support women’s entry into working life and talked about the projects they have implemented, especially in the field of education.
Referring to the support they provide to tradesmen and craftsmen, Pekcan reminded that certain conveniences related to tax, employment, and financing are provided within the framework of the Economic Stability Shield Measure Package, especially for the measures taken against Covid-19.
Pekcan pointed out that with the decisions taken since December, direct income and rent support to artisans and craftsmen and support for loss of turnover for restaurants-cafes businesses have been implemented, she added saying, “We hope to overcome the controlled normalization process safely and return to our daily lives as soon as possible. As we have done so far, we will move on together with the solidarity of the state and the nation and keep the measures behind and continue our lives by leaving this process behind.”
Addressing women tradesmen and craftsmen, Pekcan said, “You are the representatives of the achievements of Turkish women in socio-economic life from the past to the present. I hope that in the future, many more women, with their talents, education and equipment, courage, will take an active part in commercial life and achieve exemplary success.”
“Violence against women spreads faster than the virus”
TESK President Bendevi Palandoken also underlined that recently, violence against women has spread faster than the virus. Palandoken noted the following:
“March 8, International Working Women’s Day is very important for us. In the tradesmen organization that adopts the tradition of Ahi-order, women are important, they are superior to everything and no one should ever put their hands on a woman. Unfortunately, in recent years, we feel ashamed to witness news of violence against women and femicide every day. No livelihood, crisis, insanity, or negative developments in the family can justify violence. Once again, I stress that violence against women is unacceptable. Our precious mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters are the crown of our heads.”
Source: AA / Translated by Irem Yildiz