Panel on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Beşiktaş Municipality marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November with a panel titled “Combating Violence against Women: From Past to Present” at the Zübeyde Ana Cultural and Arts Center. The event brought together Av. Nazan Moroğlu — Member of the Advisory Board of the Association for Real Equality (GENDER) and Vice President of the Lawyers Foundation — as well as Beşiktaş Deputy Mayor Diğdem Çiçek, municipal council members, and local residents.

In her keynote address, Av. Moroğlu offered a comprehensive overview of the evolution of women’s rights and long-standing efforts to combat gender-based violence. She highlighted the striking fact that the term violence against women was first formally recognized at the global level only in 1992. Drawing attention to the universal and pervasive nature of the issue, she noted:

“Violence against women is not determined by education level, economic status, or age. It affects at least 40% of women in virtually every society and every country. It harms women, causes pain, undermines dignity, and prevents them from exercising their fundamental rights and freedoms.”

She also outlined the various forms of violence and informed participants about Law No. 6284 on the Protection of the Family and Prevention of Violence against Women.

Serpil Özden Korkmaz, Director of Women and Family Services, reaffirmed the municipality’s strong commitment to supporting women facing violence:

“As Beşiktaş Municipality, we firmly believe that every woman has the right to live freely, equally, and without fear or pressure. Guided by this conviction, we work day and night to provide legal, psychological, and social support to every woman who turns to us.”

Deputy Mayor Diğdem Çiçek thanked Av. Moroğlu for her valuable insights, stating:

“Listening to your reflections on women’s struggle for justice and equality has been deeply meaningful for all of us. Defending women’s right to life, freedom, and equality is a shared responsibility. As Beşiktaş Municipality, we remain committed to building a city where women live freely, equally, and safely.”

Following the speeches, Deputy Mayor Çiçek presented Av. Moroğlu with flowers and a commemorative plaque reflecting a scholarship donation to the Association for Supporting Contemporary Life (ÇYDD). The program concluded with a visit to the Violence against Women is a Violation of Human Rights sculpture on Nispetiye Street, where participants laid carnations in memory of women who lost their lives to male violence.