Conference against domestic violence

Conference on "Combating Domestic Violence" was held in cooperation with Cyprus International University (CIU) Center for Women and Gender Studies (UKAMER) and the Support for Woman-to-Life Association (KAYAD) and CIU Faculty of Health Sciences.

In the event organized at the CIU Çevik Uraz Center Conference Hall, the problems of women and children, who are exposed to domestic violence and suggested solutions to these problems, were discussed.

The event started with the opening speeches of the Rector of CIU, Prof. Dr. Halil Nadiri; UKAMER President Asst. Prof. Dr. Mihrican Aylanç and KAYAD President, Meral Akıncı.

During the panel moderated by the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Feray Gökdoğan, KAYAD President Meral Akıncı, Ombudsman Emine Dizdarlı, European Violence against Women Network member Lawyer Lara Dimitrijevic and Researcher Mine Yücel made presentations.

In her speech, Meral Akıncı stated that KAYAD has been working on issues such as human rights, environment, language education, personal development, communication, parenting education, and peace culture for years, and at the same time, they are making efforts to strengthen the place of women in society stably. 

Akıncı pointed out that the source must be made visible to overcome violence and “there is a social transformation in our target, and I sincerely believe that we have started to provide this.”

Speaking at the panel, Ombudsman Emine Dizdarlı reminded that she is a lawyer and there is legal legislation regarding violence in North Cyprus, but it should be questioned that despite this legislation, it is still not possible to be at the desired place.

Dizdarlı highlighted that the number of women is too high to be underestimated, who have been discriminated against due to only being a woman in North Cyprus, and who are exposed to violence. She also noted that this number has been increasing gradually; and mentioned that the reasons for violation of fundamental rights and freedom should not be questioned even though such legal regulations are not prevented.

On the other hand, Lawyer Lara Dimitrijevic stated as part of her speech that she works in refugee camps and women's rights should be human rights. 

Dimitrijeviç drew attention to the point that many women do not have opportunities to seek their rights in this legal system, and that the justice system also has an unfair approach towards women.