CHP head Kılıçdaroğlu calls for ‘gender quota’ in political parties’ law

AYDIN

Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has called for amendments in the current political parties law in order to introduce a “gender quota.”

Speaking at a meeting in the western province of Aydın with a group of women neighborhood heads (muhtars) on the occasion of the March 8 International Women’s Day, Kılıçdaroğlu said: “I call on all political parties to change the political parties law and introduce a quota of 33 percent for women. We can pass this regulation in parliament if you [women] keep a close eye on this.”

“Women should realize and be aware of what the future holds for them. Every woman should join the struggle. This is a struggle for democracy,” Kılıçdaroğlu said, adding that women should have a presence in all the fields of life.

“That is why we called for a gender quota. Those who reject this idea are the ones who are afraid of women” he added.

In December 2017, the CHP first floated the idea of imposing a 33 percent gender quota in all elections in Turkey, in a bid to increase women’s representation.

In the legislative proposal submitted on Dec. 6 to the Parliament Speaker’s Office, the CHP proposed a 33 percent gender quota for lawmakers, as well as members of municipal and provincial assemblies.