HDP MP Tosun: March 8 Women's Day Should be a Public Holiday

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"Declaration of March 8 as a public holiday as the 'World Women's Day' shall be a big gain for the women of Turkey. This will also be an important step for preventing the violence against women which is increasing day by day in Turkey."

Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Diyarbakır MP Remziye Tosun said the above words in a petition she submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM).

Tosun has proposed an amendment to the Law No. 2249 on Feasts and General Holidays for the 8 March to be declared as a public holiday.

"This shall be a big gain for women of Turkey"

Here are the highlights from MP Tosun's petition:

"Turkey is facing serious problems in terms of gender equality. According to the World Economic Forum's (WEF) 2018 Global Gender Gap Report, which examines countries under the categories of education, health, politics and business life, Turkey ranks 130th out of 149 countries.

"Despite the enacted laws and women's struggle, economic, physical, emotional, social violence against women still continue and femicides multiply every year. Women's activity in social, political and economic areas are being increasingly restricted. The patriarchal system is felt more in every segment of society.

"In this context, declaration of March 8, which is regarded as a symbol for the oppressed, enslaved women's struggle across the world, as a public holiday as the 'World Women's Day' shall be a big gain for the women of Turkey.

"This will also be an important step for preventing the violence against women which is increasing day by day in Turkey." (EMK/VK)