HDP Deputy Züleyha Gülüm stated that the problems of women living in tent cities should be addressed and said that women face being exposed to male violence and that their safety should be ensured as soon as possible.

Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Istanbul MP Züleyha Gülüm spoke to ANF about the problems experienced by women affected by the earthquake.

Housing and security problems

The MP said that women face more problems in the earthquake region. "As we have observed, women who are victims of earthquakes are experiencing severe grievances in this process. The problem of housing and security is really serious. Women living in collective tent areas face sexual assault, harassment and violence by men they know and do not know. Security should be provided for women in all its dimensions. Women should be informed by establishing emergency centers close to collective tent areas. Again, the violence experienced by women who lost their homes in the earthquake in places where they had to take shelter should be prevented by the effective implementation of Law No. 6284. Access to cleanliness and hygiene is one of the vital problems for women. In some tent areas, mobile toilets are used in a mixed manner. There are no or very insufficient portable toilets for women's use. Women need pads, tampons, underwear, medical supplies for women's health. Again, diapers, baby food, adult diapers need to be delivered to earthquake zones regularly."

Solidarity from women to women

Gülüm said that the HDP will strengthen solidarity on 8 March, International Women’s Day, and added: "We are trying to weave solidarity networks from women to women. We set up women's tents. We chat in our tents, we try to overcome our experiences and pain with solidarity. We are knitting campaigns to meet the urgent needs of women. We are working to force the state to fulfil its responsibilities. As March 8 approaches, we are organizing events to strengthen the solidarity of women."