According to renowned criminalist Prof. Dr. Atasoy, women's interest in forensic sciences has increased

One of the world's leading forensic scientists and Üsküdar University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy stated that women constitute the vast majority of students in the university's Forensic Sciences Department.

Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy, who dedicated her life to forensic medicine and criminology, trained numerous criminalists throughout her career, and became one of the world's leading experts in forensic medicine, became a role model for her gender with her success as the first Turk to assume the chairmanship of the United Nations (UN) International Narcotics Control Board and the second female president of the board globally.

Sevil Atasoy, the daughter of Prof. Dr. Şemsi Gök, one of the founders of modern Turkish forensic medicine, and Dr. Ferda Gök, the founder of Teşvikiye Laboratory, one of Turkey's first private laboratories, developed an interest in forensic medicine in her childhood due to her family's profession.

After graduating from German High School, Atasoy enrolled in the Department of Chemistry at Istanbul University Faculty of Chemistry, guided by her family. Atasoy, who specialized in biochemistry and earned a doctorate in medical sciences at the Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, became an associate professor and then a professor in the same field.

In addition to her faculty position at the university, Atasoy served as the Head of the Chemical Analysis Department of the Ministry of Justice's Council of Forensic Medicine between 1980-1993, and as the director of Istanbul University's Institute of Forensic Medicine between 1987-2005. She currently serves as the Vice Rector of Üsküdar University.

Sevil Atasoy continues to serve as the Head of the Forensic Sciences Department at the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Head of the Department of the Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences, and Director of the Violence and Crime Prevention Application and Research Center.

“The main condition for women's career advancement...”

Speaking to an AA reporter on the occasion of March 8, International Women's Day, Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy talked about her professional life and her national and international studies at the university and in the field of forensic sciences.

Atasoy stated that men predominantly work in crime-fighting areas, and noted that male dominance has persisted since she began her duty as the Head of the Chemical Department of the Council of Forensic Medicine in the late 1970s.

Atasoy expressed that senior executives are still predominantly men in many countries, stating, “Actually, not much has changed. Those with operational authority, meaning those who actively gather evidence to solve a crime, conduct investigations, and take statements, are generally men. Now, over the years, we have seen women take the lead in some international organizations. Globally, there are now many women among police chiefs, governors, prosecutors, and judges. To reach that point, one needs to know the subject very well. The main condition for women's career advancement, whatever it may be, is to know the job better than the people they work with. Of course, this requires them to work much harder,” she said.

Atasoy explained that the Department of Forensic Sciences was established for the first time in Turkey at Üsküdar University, and continued her words as follows:

“From this department, which provides undergraduate education, we have graduated our third-year students this year. A very large portion of the students are women. The field of forensic sciences has become one of the professions favored by women. Of course, this profession requires a very significant investment. Because justice is essential for all of us. Whether in public or private institutions, you need an infrastructure that can serve those in need, ensure high quality justice, and prevent wrongful convictions.”

“Treatments mostly for men are applied in centers”

Atasoy stated that her membership in the UN International Narcotics Control Board will continue until 2027, and said that the board is an important organization that combats the supply and demand of drugs worldwide and also has embargo authority.

Atasoy argued that in many parts of the world, treatment centers for addicts predominantly apply treatments geared towards men, and women face serious discrimination in this area as well.

Forensic medicine students in the earthquake zone

Expressing her deep sorrow due to the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes, Prof. Dr. Atasoy stated that as Üsküdar University, a portion of their students, from autopsy assistants to master's and doctoral students in forensic sciences, took part in the earthquake zone.

Atasoy said that students are active in many areas, from identification to psychological counseling, and a significant number of female students are using their professional knowledge in the field to alleviate the problems of their gender.

Atasoy stated that this year's main theme for UN's March 8, International Women's Day is "Achieving gender equality through innovation and technology," and said, "So this year, we will all work for more internet access and more education via the internet worldwide."

Anadolu Agency