CIU examined the place of women in politics

Cyprus International University (CIU) Student Development and Counseling Center, International Relations Club organized an event titled “Conversation with Doğuş Derya on Women in Politics”.

The event, which was carried out online within the scope of the epidemic measures; the place of women in politics, women's contribution to the peace process and inequalities in the context of women's rights were examined.

CTP Member of Parliament Doğuş Derya explained that when discussing women in politics, generally the number of women in parliament or cabinet is discussed, however in the broader sense, it is everything from taking to the streets or the water we use, the customs and traditions that have been coded in our behaviors from the environment we live in, participation in the labor force, wage policies, participating in decision making and fertility rights.

Reminding that women have been excluded from decision-making processes, Derya went on to state, “What we refer to as gender is actually patterns in behavior that are imposed on individuals due to their biological sex. These actually maintain power relations. The women's movement, which has been continuing for 200-300 years across the world, is actually, before anything else, the struggle for women's access to basic human rights”.

Also talking about the involvement of women within the peace process, Derya stated that it is a 100-year-old issue. Pointing out that, as seen with many women's rights issues, the demands of women internationally was met with much resistance, Derya continued “Women held a meeting in 1914. During the meeting, they discussed how the war affected women due to their gender. However, it took the security council 100 years to turn this into a decision.”

Stating that since 1968, a small group of men have continually dominated the negotiations related to Cyprus, Doğuş Derya reminded that women are not included in the decision-making processes.

Derya: “If women are wanted to be part of the decision-making processes, their conditions should be taken into account”

Stating that in relation to women’s rights, there are long-term and short-term things that can be done, Derya elaborated, "For example, if women are asked to participate more in political party activities, union activities or decision-making processes, their conditions should be considered."

Providing information in relation to the involvement of young people in political decision-making mechanisms, Derya went on to advise, “Sexism is a problem, however in a place where patriarchal, white, middle-class men are dominant, age discrimination is another problem. It is at least as difficult for young people to be involved in political decision-making mechanisms as women."

Underlining that it is not easy for young people to make a place for themselves in this structure, Derya said, “Women and youth organizations should be independent. For youth organizations or women organizations of political parties to produce policies independently is important. However, it is better if they are not involved at all if they are going to work as the satellites to the men who lead the party members”.

Concluding that independent organizations are ideal for young people, Doğuş Derya stated that she found it important for the youth to be visible and for their voices to be heard within the framework of various associations and organizations.