DEM Party Istanbul MP Özgül Saki told ANF that the primary focus of the "Commission for the Investigation of Violence Against Women" should be to address, in a comprehensive manner, the rising violence against women and its links to the patriarchal system, male dominance, wartime conditions, and poverty.

Speaking about the establishment of the commission, Saki recalled that on 9 October, they called for a general debate to review the government’s 22-year track record, assess the impact and damage caused by violence, and identify necessary reforms.

Saki said: "Our proposal was rejected by the AKP-MHP. Male violence, which continues to rise, now results in the murder of at least four women every day. On Friday, 4 October, in Istanbul, two 19-year-old women, İkbal Uzuner and Ayşenur Halil, were brutally killed by a man named Semih Çelik. Women in many cities said ‘Enough is enough,’ and protested these femicides. After persistent pressure from the DEM Party Group and support from other opposition parties, all groups in the General Assembly took a unified stance the following day to establish a 'Commission for the Investigation of Violence Against Women.'" 

22 years of anti-women policies

Highlighting that the government has evaded accountability for the severe harm caused by its 22 years of anti-women policies, instead framing the surge in male violence as isolated incidents, Saki explained: "Our first priority in this commission should be to examine the rise in violence against women comprehensively, addressing its deep-rooted connections to the patriarchal system, male dominance, conditions of war, and poverty.

We are committed to exposing the ways in which policies that erase women’s identities from almost every public sphere—restricting them solely to family roles—discussions over alimony rights, the ineffective enforcement of Law No. 6284, withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, and a culture of impunity have collectively emboldened male violence.

If we can find common ground on these issues, our primary aim will be to adopt and honor the principles and demands that have been forged through the feminist and women’s movements’ long history of struggle. This means revisiting every political and legal regulation and making the necessary changes to secure real protection for women."

We will keep women informed

As women from the socialist, feminist, and Kurdish women’s movements, we are committed to fighting male dominance and state-backed violence against women in every sphere of society, said Saki, adding: "Our aim is to connect commission members with all organizations and to foster a truly collective effort. Women across Turkey, including those in Kurdistan, have amassed significant experience through our shared struggle, allowing us to address this issue from a standpoint that links the streets with Parliament, avoiding the constraints of bureaucratic mechanisms.

Together, we have the strength and perspective to create a program grounded in equality and freedom, one that directly opposes male-dominated policies. Recognizing our collective power, we intend to run the commission's work effectively and transparently, keeping all women informed at every step. We will stand together in this struggle and achieve victory together."