Structural monitoring of selected national legislation of Turkey on gender-based violence against women

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) is now recognised as a violation of women’s human rights, and a form of discrimination against women globally. Inclusion of GBV in the sustainable development goals agenda encouraged data collection and monitoring activities which are mainly indicator-based monitoring. In this study, we tried to focus on aspects of structural monitoring of the domestic legislation of Turkey which provide a basis for combating violence against women. Using the equality, respect for dignity, non-discrimination, non-violence, gender equality, women’s empowerment and due diligence norms, we revealed that the last two norms are the least mentioned international norms in the selected national legislation of the country. Through this study, we emphasise the significance of an integrated approach in not only monitoring but also in eliminating GBV against women, which ipso facto embodies the need for an independent monitoring system and, overall, a feminist solidarity with all components.<br /><br />Key messages<br /><ul><li>Structural monitoring is important for indicator-based monitoring to combat GBV.</li><br /><li>Among the international norms, due diligence is the norm most frequently absent in the domestic legislation of Turkey.</li><br /><li>International conventions which force governments to realise their commitments are useful tools on the regional and national level.</li></ul>