*Yasemin Aktürkoğlu
I am a student at Ege University. The murders of İkbal Uzuner and Ayşenur Halil deeply hurt me; I participated in the protests organised after these events. The power of being united as women creates physical and emotional security.
We lost İkbal and Ayşenur on October 4th as victims of male violence. October 2024 has the highest data in recent years in terms of femicides. Despite the protests that took place after the loss, men killed 48 women in October, and there were 23 suspicious deaths of women.
I am a student at Ege University. The murder of İkbal Uzuner and Ayşenur Halil deeply hurt me; I participated in the protests organised both in İzmir and on our campus after these femicides. When I participated in the protests, I was genuinely touched by the fact that women came together and made their voices heard strongly. It was very nice to feel the power of solidarity, being together at all times, understanding each other and supporting the same cause. The power of unity as the women creates physical and emotional security. I did not feel alone in that crowd. Everyone shares each other’s pain and understands each other. That was a source of hope for me. At the same time, participating in the protests strengthened me in a way. On the other hand, I also faced my own fears.
“These murders cannot be prevented”
On one hand, I feel the power of solidarity; on the other, there is a constant fear inside me. Protests and such social reactions are important, but it is very different for a woman to feel constantly under threat every day when she goes out and in every step she takes. Male violence is increasing day by day, and we only react to it by speaking out, but these murders cannot be prevented. Women going out at night, being alone, and how they dress are always a danger. This reality creates a gap between an atmosphere of solidarity and constant insecurity.
I definitely believe that there needs to be a change, but this change should be multifaceted. It should change not only with protests but also with education, social awareness, and legal regulations. To stop femicides, the state needs to implement the law more actively to prevent perpetrators from impunity and should implement the Istanbul Convention. However, at least as much as this, education on gender equality needs to be provided, and people of all ages need to be made aware of this issue. Men also ought to learn to approach women as equals. It is, of course, very valuable for women to come together and make their voices heard. Still, true transformation can only happen if an egalitarian approach is adopted at every level of the social structure.
“We have to believe in the power of solidarity”
It is difficult to have hope for the future because we read news of a new murder every day. However, as women, we must believe in the power of unity and solidarity. For these murders to end, actions and the social structure need to change in every aspect. Women need to be empowered, the legal system needs to be made women-friendly, and men ought to become sensitive to violence. Yes, it is easy to despair, but this atmosphere of solidarity gives me hope. When we make our voices heard together, things can change. Bringing together this power that we carry within us will be the most crucial part of this struggle.
Solidarity, fighting, raising our voices…
All of these are giving us hope for the future.
