ANKARA
Turkey's president, first lady, and leading officials and politicians marked International Women's Day on Monday, honoring women across the globe.
"I congratulate the March 8 International Women's Day of all women, who are the hope of humanity with their love, efforts and sacrifices," President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a statement, adding: "Once again, I strongly condemn all kinds of physical and mental violence and discrimination against women, which I regard as a crime against humanity."
First Lady Emine Erdogan marked the day on Twitter, saying: "Each time a woman gets hurt, humanity itself gets hurt. In our struggle against all forms of violence, we will unite. We will continue to work to empower women in every field. I congratulate all women on March 8 International Women's Day, with the hope that it leads to new awareness."
"Wishing that it will help women attain their deserved place in every aspect of life, I congratulate with my warmest wishes the International Women’s Day of all women," said Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in an official statement. He commemorated Turkish heroines from folk warrior Nene Hatun to Aybuke Yalcin, a teacher martyred at the age of 22 in 2017.
"I also extend my sincere thanks to all women, first and foremost those working in the health sector who are at the forefront of the battle against the pandemic, as well as the female members of our Ministry who undertake their duties devotedly all around the world, even under the difficult conditions created by the pandemic," he added.
Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin took to Twitter to mark the occasion, saying: "Happy March 8 International Women's Day; I wish for a world where all women are treated with dignity and equity as human beings. I kiss the hands of the mothers of our martyrs."
Kalin added that the government would work in every legal and social field to eliminate violence against women.
Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan congratulated working women whom she said "enlighten the world with their love and affection, add value and beauty to every area their hands touch."
Separately, Family, Labor and Social Services Minister Zehra Zumrut Selcuk said Turkish society "always placed women in a respectable position [...] and we have always witnessed our women at the forefront of every field of society, even in wars."
Speaking at a meeting on women's labor, Selcuk said her ministry sought to bolster families in a society where women are stronger, as well as more valued and respected. "Stronger, healthier families will build a stronger society," she said.
Selcuk underlined that the rate of women entrepreneurs had increased from 15% to 19% and that increasing female employment was one of the ministry's priorities.
Pointing out the importance of education for development, she said Turkey had made substantial progress in education. Literacy among women has risen from 79% in 2002 to 95% by this year, while the schooling rate of female students at the high-school level had risen from 45% to 85% and from 13.5% to 46% in higher education, added Selcuk.
Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul also saluted women, "chiefly the mothers of our heroic martyrs." He said: "It is women who knead the dough of humanity with compassion, mercy and justice, who teach people how to be human, how to remain human."
"May women forgive us. Their sacrifices have yet to receive the reward they deserve. The things that they cultivated with love were not preserved with the same care. Life could have been better if their words had more impact. Because power and compassion are inseparable in women," said Health Minister Fahrettin Koca on social media.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Fatih Donmez said on Twitter: "Happy March 8 International Women's Day to all women who add energy to our energy, strength to our strength, and meaning to our lives."
Lutfi Elvan, treasury and finance minister, said: "I congratulate the jewels of our crown, our mothers, sisters and daughters, and all women, who always glorify our country, our nation and us with their sacrifice, dedication and achievements." He condemned "all kinds of violence against women and curse those who raise their hands against women."
"I congratulate and express my respect for all of our women, mothers and daughters, with whom we share life, who add goodness and beauty to the world, build our today and tomorrow with great effort and heart, and stand with us shoulder-to-shoulder in every moment of life," said Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu in a separate statement.
Murat Kurum, environment and urbanization minister, remarked: "Our environment is entrusted to you... Happy March 8 International Women's Day to all women who aim to beautify their surroundings at every moment of their life with their labor, knowledge, compassion and love."
Omer Celik, the spokesperson for Turkey's ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party, said on Twitter: "We will continue the struggle for a safe and fair life for all women who are the targets of violence and whose labor is ignored. A life worthy of human dignity is established by the power of women.
