Exactly 90 years ago, on December 5, 1934, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk took a historic step that not only granted Turkish women the right to vote and be elected but also showcased Türkiye’s forward-thinking vision and its position ahead of the rest of the world. I see this moment in history, within the context of its time, as a manifesto from Türkiye and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to the world about the rightful place of Turkish women—a place they deserved and truly belonged. To grasp the significance and foresight of this manifesto for our social life, one only needs to reflect on the historical backdrop of that era.
The First Female Mukthar: Gül Esin
At the time, in the village of Demircidere, part of Karpuzlu in Aydın, elections were held with the participation of all men and women eligible to vote. Nearly 500 villagers gathered in the village association at the republic square to cast their votes. Among eight candidates for the position of mukthar, Gül Esin was the sole female contender. While her election symbolized the revolutionary image of women, other factors contributed significantly to her success. She was deeply respected and admired by the villagers and was literate in an era when even most men struggled with basic reading and writing skills. This example was a historic milestone, demonstrating that women could take on leading roles not only in politics but also in local governance, proving that leadership transcends gender.
Even today, this step, which paved the way for women to represent the people as mayors, village heads, parliamentarians, ministers, and even prime ministers, continues to fill us with pride 90 years later. It also imposes a responsibility on us to act in the spirit of this great vision. Gül Esin was, of course, just one example of her time. Countless other women have taken brave steps in various fields to ensure that women secure their rightful place in society. We must remember that December 5, 1934, is not merely a date; it remains a source of inspiration for building a more equitable future and reminds us of an ongoing struggle.
Inspiration for the Future
As we commemorate December 5, 1934, I am not merely celebrating the success of a decision made long ago. I am also reflecting on our responsibilities for today and the future. The philosophy behind this reform went beyond addressing the needs of its time—it offered all of us a vision for the future. I believe that ensuring women take their rightful place in society, politics, and every field is not just about empowering half of a society but about advancing the entire society. Doesn’t Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s statement, “A society that keeps its women behind is doomed to remain behind,” still light our way today?
From my perspective, the courageous step taken on December 5, 1934, continues to serve as an inspiration not just for Türkiye but for the shared history of the world. For instance, Italy and France took this step only in 1944, a full decade after Türkiye, and Switzerland, from which we adopted our civil code, granted women the same right only in 1971, 37 years after Atatürk’s decision. This is a tangible testament to the visionary nature of Atatürk’s reforms. To understand and uphold this vision is not only a tribute to the past but also a responsibility that reinforces my belief in a more equal and modern future. Today, by following the path paved by this bold step, let us become guiding examples for future generations and work together to build a brighter future.
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