*Seçil Mine Özden
“We created a group with the girls. Sometimes, a friend of ours who had to walk on campus late at night would ask the group if there was anyone around, and we would walk together to ensure each other’s safety.”
Women’s fight for gender equality continues on university campuses, as everywhere else in Turkey. Female students studying at Erciyes University in Kayseri are not only focusing on their classes but are also fighting in solidarity against social pressures and the difficulties of campus life. Zeynep Y., studying at Erciyes University, explained these difficulties and her struggles.
“We don’t feel safe at night”
Zeynep Y. stated that the problems arising from the physical infrastructure of the campus put severe pressure on women.
“I don’t feel safe returning from the library to study at night. The lighting is inadequate, and we rarely see the security guards. Some friends had to walk in the dark because they missed their minibus times and were harassed.”
Zeynep stated that social pressure is felt more heavily outside campus, saying, “Kayseri is a conservative city. We feel judged for everything, from our clothing to our circle of friends and what hours we go out. That puts a serious psychological burden on us as female students.”
“Women’s solidarity is our greatest strength”
Despite these difficulties, female students try to feel safe and raise awareness through solidarity. Zeynep explained that they support each other through the WhatsApp group they set up:
“‘We created a group with the girls. Sometimes, a friend of ours who has to walk on campus late at night asks the group if there is anyone around, and we walk together to ensure each other’s safety. That is a method we developed for ourselves.’’
Stating that this solidarity allows women to feel that they are not alone, Zeynep said, “Seeing that we are together on campus as women gives us courage. Our struggle here will lay the foundation for creating a more egalitarian university environment in the future.”
“Security measures are insufficient”
Zeynep, who stated that they face many cases of violence at the university and that most of these cases are the subject of conversations among themselves but are not filed as complaints, criticized the school administration by saying, “Security measures are inadequate. The complaint processes regarding harassment are quite long and exhausting. Most of my friends are hesitant to complain because of this.”
“Don’t be afraid and don’t be silent”
Zeynep gave the following message to female students who are newbies to the university:
“Don’t be afraid, and don’t be silent. University life is not just about classes; it is a period in which you will find your identity and become stronger. Don’t give up solidarity and struggle against oppression. You are not alone.”
This struggle that women are giving at Erciyes University is an example that inspires not only within the campus borders but also the women’s movement throughout Turkey. No matter the challenges’ significance, change is inevitable in any environment where women are in solidarity.
