Gender refers to the roles and expectations that society assigns to women and men based on
their biological sex. Gender inequality, on the other hand, expresses the gender-based
distinction between women and men, as well as the discrimination they experience in
economic, cultural, and social spheres. As is the case throughout the world, the concept of
gender inequality is frequently heard in our country and encountered in many fields. Some of
these fields include education, professional life, the political arena, violence, and the
institution of the family. While discrimination is clearly visible in these areas, it is not always
practiced so overtly. For instance, ignoring a woman or failing to meet her basic needs within
the family is also a form of discrimination.
INEQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY IN EDUCATION
Education is the field where social equality can be most easily established and implemented.
As seen in the data from the Turkish Statistical Institute, it is observed that the education rates
of men and women are approaching one another. One of the primary reasons for this is that
with the increase in social awareness, more value is being placed on the educational rights of
girls and women. No matter how much value is given, there are still many girls and women in
certain regions of our country who cannot access education, which is a fundamental right.
This inequality experienced in accessing education brings along the problems that women
face in their future lives. Low education levels for women and girls make it difficult for them
to work in unskilled jobs in professional life and to gain their economic independence.
Furthermore, directing women and girls toward professions perceived as “women’s work”
creates an inequality of opportunity.
INEQUALITY IN WORKING LIFE
Despite the rise in women’s education levels, their labor force participation and employment
rates remain low compared to men. Even when they are part of the workforce, women often
work for lower wages and in lower-level positions. This situation perpetuates the social
inequality between men and women. The primary reason for the low participation rate of
women in the labor force is that employers often prefer men due to women’s biological sex.
Consequently, women’s access to employment is lower than that of men.One of the main
factors hindering women’s advancement in their careers is the glass ceiling. The glass ceiling
refers to the invisible barriers that prevent women from rising to high-level executive
positions. This significantly reduces the rate of women serving in senior roles. Additionally,
the unfair distribution of domestic responsibilities forces women to choose between their
professional lives and their families, which often results in them remaining outside of
employment. Furthermore, another reason for low employment rates is that employers often
prioritize laying off women first during times of economic hardship.
INEQUALITY IN THE POLITICAL SPHERE
Gender inequality manifests itself in the political sphere just as it does in many other fields. In
the parliament, which stands at the head of decision-making mechanisms, as well as in local
governments and political party leadership, the proportion of men is significantly higher
compared to women. Although the representation rate of women in parliament has shown an
increase over the years, it remains low, and there are still many regions with no female
representatives. The fact that political parties possess a male-dominated structure limits
women’s participation in decision-making mechanisms and tends to keep them in more
supportive roles.
DISCRIMINATION WITHIN THE FAMILY INSTITUTION
One of the most fundamental factors in the formation of gender inequality is the inequality
existing within the family. In patriarchal and traditional family structures, the value given to
male children is a thousand times greater than that given to female children. While male
children are seen as the continuation of the family lineage, female children are viewed merely
as individuals concerned with household chores. This situation is the clearest indicator of
discrimination. Furthermore, the fact that men hold the power in decision-making
mechanisms within the family, and that even the most basic needs of women are considered
insignificant, clearly reveals discrimination within the family.
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