Turkey Femicide: What Is Happening?

I’m sure everyone remembers the black-and-white photos that women were uploading on Instagram a few days ago? What was that all about? There is much confusion about where the challenge originated, was it Turkey or Brazil? Others are still perplexed because they thought it was just a challenge to spread positivity during the pandemic and to encourage women to support other women.

So, let me clear this out in a jiffy.

In an attempt to bring attention to the rising violence against women, #challengeaccepted on Instagram was used as women shared black-and-white photos of themselves to show support and appreciation towards other women, actually originated in Brazil, as per Instagram’s reports. Though, numerous women in Turkey did clarify that the latest social media trend became popular in Turkey because the black and white photos represent how pictures of murdered victims of violence end up in black and white (b&w) in newspapers. Women in Turkey wake up every day to see a b&w photo of a woman who has been murdered, therefore, this platform is now used as a voice with over 8.5 million hashtags to stand in solidarity with the women that lost their lives. This challenge, even though did not originate in Turkey, was enough to spread global awareness about violence against women.

When I imagine the suffering of women, my innate frame of reference is attributed to poor developing countries with governments that suppress basic human rights...but guess what? The reality is much harsher and melancholic. When will women stop suffering? What are these twisted patriarchal mindsets? Whenever a brutal incident like this happens, why does society primarily think ‘what was she wearing, was she wearing anything seductive’? As a woman, reading about the news that entails how women are treated worldwide, there’s gnawing pain in my heart. The agony I feel is stagnant.

But, why am I feeling this pain even though this incident happened in Turkey, which is some 2,800 miles away from me?

Let me begin by explaining briefly about what exactly went down.

Pinar Gültekin, a 27-year-old woman was murdered by her ex boyfriend, Cemal Metin Avici in the Aegean province of Mugla in Turkey. The gruesome act was done because she did not want to get back in a relationship with him. Yes, you read it right. That was the sole reason why a young, university student lost her life. Her body was found buried inside a barrel in a forest. As per Avici’s statement, he strangled her to death and wanted to burn the body but was unable to do so, therefore, he decided to put the body inside a barrel and bury it.

Domestic violence is on the rise in Turkey. It has professed 932 lives between 2016 and 2018. In 2020 itself, 40 women were killed in just January and February as per the latest available data. The COVID-19 induced countrywide lockdown, has worsened the situation for women in Turkey. Why do men in Turkey think that their minuscule sense of manhood would only be established when they murder women?

There are regular protests on the streets across Turkish cities, including the largest city of Istanbul, against the rising violence inflicted upon women and the rising incidents of femicides. However, despite the augmenting numbers, the Government has done the bare minimum for the women. How many more brutal incidents does the government want until they take action? Approximately 2000 women congregated in Istanbul on November 25, 2019, to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against women. Wistfully, the police dispersed the protest using rubber bullets and tear gas. Melek Önder of the We Will Stop Femicide initiative told DW that Turkish police, the government and state officials must do much more to protect women at risk: "There were cases where women who were being violently abused asked for help, but nothing happened," she says.

Moreover, senior ministers, including Erdoğan, regularly make public statements that are degrading to women. According to the President, women are not equal to men, and those without children are deficient. Former Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has told supporters that rather than physically attack women in public wearing shorts, they should verbally harass them instead. The minister of finance Mehmet Şimşek said, “We have the unemployment rate high because women are looking for jobs also”. The most disturbing speech was given by Ankara mayor Melih Gökçek; he said that ‘if the mum is raped, why would the child have to die, what’s the kid’s sin? The raped mum should die instead.’”

How did those statements sound to you? Can you imagine what goes on in Turkey and the mindset of people there?

Therefore, it is of utmost importance to listen to credible organizations that are doing work to fight femicide. If you can’t join the protests in Turkey, there are other ways where you can help. Some ways include signing this petition to support the ban of ‘good conduct time’ for murderers and abusers, or to protect the Istanbul Convention, and to support the ban of the law that will legalise marriage between abuser and victim. Collectively, as responsible global citizens, we must support one another and fight for each other. There are innumerable ugly things around us, so make sure your actions count towards a positive community.