Women demand action against domestic violence in Turkey

On March 8, 2025, thousands of women protested across Turkey to mark International Women's Day, highlighting issues of inequality and violence against women. In Istanbul's Kadikoy district, participants listened to speeches and engaged in cultural expressions under a substantial police presence, with banners advocating for women's autonomy beyond traditional familial roles. Concurrently, concerns surged over the government's recent declaration of 2025 as the Year of the Family and its withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, which aimed to protect women from domestic violence. Protests occurred amidst rising violence statistics, with 394 women killed in 2024 at the hands of men, raising alarm among activists and critics of the current government led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The protests in Turkey coincided with the Women's March in Boston, where participants expressed solidarity for various social issues including women's rights and racial justice. Organizer Ashley Parys emphasized that ongoing community activism was essential following the march. In both Turkey and the United States, International Women's Day served as a platform for advocating for women's rights and addressing pressing societal challenges in different forms. The juxtaposition of these protests illustrated the global struggle for women’s rights, as demonstrators called for greater protection and recognition of women's issues within their respective societal frameworks.