The “Media and Women” event was organized by the Sociology Club, operating under the Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Sociology, and the Health, Culture and Sports (SKS) Department. In the program, Milliyet Newspaper Editor-in-Chief Pınar Aktaş shared her 30-year professional journey in journalism and the transformation of women's representation in media. Aktaş also made striking sharing on many topics, from the struggle against sexist language in the media to UN Women collaborations, from the impact of media language on femicides to the importance of women's visibility in the sector.
Milliyet Newspaper Editor-in-Chief Pınar Aktaş participated as a speaker in the event held at the South Campus Socrates Hall. The interview was moderated by Prof. Dr. Barış Erdoğan, Head of the Department of Sociology at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (İTBF).
30-Year Journalism Journey…
Stating that she started her journalism career as a trainee reporter at Milliyet in 1996, Aktaş shared her professional journey from reporter to news editor, and then to editor-in-chief. Aktaş emphasized that she is the first woman to hold this position in Milliyet's 75-year history, and drew attention to the importance of women's visibility in the media sector.
“We are trying to change this understanding”
Aktaş discussed the male-dominated perspective that has prevailed in the media for many years, providing examples. Aktaş said; “For instance, in a fashion show news, you see the headline, ‘Model Ayşe made hearts skip a beat.’ It is very clear that the person who created this language is a man. We are trying to change this understanding.”
Aktaş stated that Milliyet follows a publication policy that treats women as subjects, not objects, and noted that significant steps have been taken towards gender equality.
“Eye-catching special news series are being prepared”
Aktaş reminded that Milliyet Newspaper has been an official media partner with UN Women since 2020, and explained the ongoing work. Aktaş said; “Within the scope of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign, special news series drawing attention to digital violence, cyberbullying, and gender-based hate speech are being prepared. The ‘Equality Stories’ column, published on Mondays, features successful women in business and equality policies. Within the scope of UN Women trainings, the editorial team is regularly informed about gender equality.”
Is Media Effective in Femicides?
Aktaş, referring to the increasing femicides in Turkey, emphasized that the perception of impunity is effective in this process. Aktaş said; “Previously, unjust provocation reductions were frequently applied. It is unacceptable for a woman to receive a lighter sentence on the grounds that she provoked a man. As media language made this injustice visible, some practices began to change. With Milliyet bringing to the agenda suspicious women's deaths recorded as ‘falls from a height,’ many files were reopened and investigations were further deepened.”
Within the scope of the event, students presented flowers to Aktaş.
The program ended with a group photo session.