After the March 31 elections, female candidates were elected in 11 provinces and 61 districts. Experts view this situation as a significant development in the context of gender equality in Turkey. According to experts, women mayors are expected to engage in activities in areas that may have been sidelined, in order to demonstrate their distinctive approaches.
Political scientist Dr. Selin Karana states that women mayors can make social activities for women a priority, noting that they could prioritize increasing the number of women's shelters during a period when violence against women is on the rise.
Dr. Selin Karana from Üsküdar University, Department of Political Science and International Relations, evaluated the election of women mayors in 11 provinces in the March 31 local elections.
A non-election period has begun until the 2028 elections…
Reminding that with the March 31 local elections, Turkey has entered a non-election period until the 2028 general elections, Dr. Selin Karana said, “In this context, we see that the local elections are also important in terms of symbolizing the beginning of this non-election period. Another factor that gave importance to the March 31 local elections was the increase in the visibility of female candidates in the elections, as well as the election of women as mayors in 11 provinces.”
11 provinces and 61 districts entrusted to women mayors…
Stating that according to UN Women data, the proportion of women in local governments worldwide has reached 50 percent in only three countries, but in 22 countries, the proportion of women is more than 40 percent, Dr. Karana said, “When an international evaluation is made, Turkey stands out for its low ranking with 20 percent in terms of women's representation, as well as the limited number of women executives in local governments. Nevertheless, the election of female candidates in 11 provinces and 61 districts as a result of the March 31 elections can be seen as an important development when evaluated in the context of gender equality in Turkey.”
Why do women mayors need to make more effort?
Noting that the patriarchal structure of Turkish society leads not only to women encountering obstacles in political representation but also to the formation of some gender-based prejudices and concerns about women rising to certain positions, Dr. Selin Karana continued:
“Women mayors are likely to be tested more in terms of proving their competence compared to male mayors, and their potential failures are likely to be explained by associating them with certain gender stereotypes. In this regard, it is possible for women mayors to strive harder to prove their worth, increase their visibility, and adopt a more consensual management style by acting in a versatile manner to make their successes permanent.”
How can women mayors demonstrate their distinctive approaches?
Stating that in order for women mayors to demonstrate their distinctiveness, they can be expected to engage in activities in areas such as family and childcare, which may be sidelined by male mayors but affect a large part of women's social lives, Dr. Selin Karana said:
“In this context, increasing activities and playgrounds for children's development can be seen as a priority for women mayors. It is also highly likely that women mayors will make social activities for women another priority area. For example, free public transportation for mothers could be widespread in provinces governed by women mayors. During a period when violence against women is on the rise in Turkish society, women mayors can prioritize increasing the number of women's shelters.”
“Women mayors are expected to work with high environmental awareness”
Highlighting that engaging in developmental initiatives in education and vocational training for the empowerment and development of women, while also undertaking protective initiatives for women, can be considered among the duties of women mayors, Dr. Karana said, “It is also possible that women mayors will strive to expand the proportion of green spaces with high environmental awareness. In addition to these, it can be hoped that they will emphasize social policies targeting disadvantaged groups with their sensitivity towards the disabled and the elderly. At this point, it is more likely for women mayors to exhibit an understanding of social municipalism.”
Gaziantep and Üsküdar as examples of women in municipal leadership…
Dr. Selin Karana stated that Gaziantep Mayor Fatma Şahin can be cited as an example of women mayors making a difference in local government, saying, “Şahin, who earned the right to serve another term as mayor with 38.83 percent of the votes in the March 31 elections, highlighted Gaziantep's gastronomic features and attracted attention by undertaking promotional and event initiatives in this area. Sinem Dedetaş, who was elected as Üsküdar Mayor in the March 31 local elections, is also expected to exhibit her vision by repeating her successes at Haliç Tersanesi (Golden Horn Shipyard) and Şehir Hatları (City Lines) in her new position, thereby changing the face of Üsküdar. Based on these examples, I believe that women mayors elected in the other 9 provinces will also reveal the previously undiscovered beauties of their cities, and with their holistic and detailed approaches, they will differentiate themselves from their predecessors and make significant contributions to their provinces during their terms.”