Hundreds of women today marched down Istiklal Caddesi, Istanbul central street, to say enough to violence against women. In the past few weeks many women have been victims of horrible crimes. Some have been killed by their husbands or relatives in what still is called 'honour killing'. But as the famous women's slogan goes, what honour there is in killing? Many of these women were mothers. So their children have been left without the person who gave them life and looked after them. A recent research by the UN Women Commission shows that women have gained many rights but still when it comes to the right to life things are not so good, and in many countries included Turkey.

The march today in Istanbul was organized by several organizations, like the Platform to Stop Honour Killings, BDP (Peace and Democracy Party), LGBTT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transexual) organization, trade unions, the Human Rights Association, ODP, EMEP. The women (and men) met in Tunel and walked along the very crowded Istiklal Caddesi (today quite busy with different demonstrations). Chanting slogans against violence, the women remembered the many who have been killed or forced to comitt suicide, the many who have remained maimed, wounded, their lives destroyed forever. Many women were also carrying the photos of those killed in recent weeks. Horror and shock hit many some days ago at the news that a woman had been repeatedly tortured and beaten by her husband who also left her without foor and water for days. The police found her dead.

Women also pointed out to the fact that crimes against women still are not seen with the severity they deserve. And not just in terms of prison sentences. "Handcuffs - said the women - are not enough. The work needed is to begin at school, at home, where children need to be educated in a different way". What is distressing is also the fact that many of these murderers are comitted by young boys in the family. In this way, being often under age, the boys do not risk heavy sentences. But clearly prison is not the solution. At least not the only solution. It is a problem of mentality, of changing the way and the attitude of men towards women, said many of the speakers at today's demonstration.

The women also asked for a serious intervention on the part of the government. "Which also means, - said the speakers - the creation of a women ministery to address the issue of violence in relation to the education".