Women Rise to Control Leftist Party

5th Congress of the socialist Freedom and Solidarity Party (ODP) has been held on Sunday, 11 February.

Ufuk Uras was once again elected as the leader of the party while 30 women delegates entered the decision making body, the party assembly.

We've talked to several women who will have a strong say in party politics from now on.

They all agree that the inflicted women's quota on the elections as well as the rise of women's struggle in the party helped them achieve this result.

With one of the countries with lowest percentage of women politicians in Europe, quotas remain a controversial issue in Turkish politics.

"I relate this result to my strong work within the youth and my fellow women friends helped a lot" said Çiçek Çatalkaya, who received the most votes among elected women.

"This is a big step in women's way to a greater presence in politics. It'll be more evident also in Turkish politics in the coming era".

İkbal Polat noted that this was the result of 10 years of struggle and experience by the women in the party.

"The quota was 30 percent in the last congress but this time it was raised to 50 percent. Women delegates also eagerly put themselves forward to take responsibility and we've achieved a first. We're reaching a point of awareness where quotas wouldn't be necessary".

A little shocked herself, Meral Çakıcı says "I never expected to get so many votes. I saw men's support in this process. I hope that we can further enhance our solidarity within the party ".(NZ/EU)