Episode 8: Moms and Madonna – Sources of Empowerment for Equality in Turkey

Fatima's Hand

In the second episode of our Turkey series, we dig deeper into what bringing a gender perspective to politics means with Gülseren Onanç, the founder of the Equality, Justice and Women Platform in Turkey. Gülseren draws on her diverse experience as a businesswoman, politician, nonprofit leader – as well as a young basketball player where she first fought for equality – in a discussion about the formation of an independent feminist movement that works towards social change and the pursuit of a universal women’s rights agenda. In this free ranging conversation, Gülseren talks about why a woman’s touch is needed in politics, the role of violence against women, and how victimization can lead to empowerment. Gülseren talks openly about the influences in her life and exposure to people and places that have shaped her perspective, and the ways she is shaping a feminist conversation with women of diverse background and ages in Turkey.