Artists Shine Light on Women's Struggles in Turkey

In a bold move, Sumeyye Akyol, a rising artist from Turkey, showcased her powerful piece, "Domination, " at the BASE 2025 event. This artwork uses hair to symbolize women's resistance and freedom of choice. Akyol, who grew up in the conservative town of Batman, knows firsthand the pressures women face. She covers her hair, but she believes it's a personal decision, not something others should dictate. Akyol's journey was influenced by the 1997 headscarf restrictions in Turkey, which affected many young women's education. She was one of them. Despite these challenges, she pursued her passion for art and eventually enrolled in the Batman Fine Arts Academy with the support of her husband. Her experiences have shaped her perspective on domination and control. Recent data from TURKSTAT's Violence Against Women in Turkey Survey 2024 reveals alarming statistics. Over a lifetime, 28. 2% of women aged 15 to 59 have experienced psychological violence, 18. 3% economic violence, and 12. 8% physical violence. These numbers highlight the widespread nature of these issues. In the past year alone, 11. 6% of women reported psychological violence, and 3. 7% experienced digital violence, which was included in the survey for the first time. Economic violence, stalking, physical violence, and sexual violence were also reported, showing that these problems are ongoing and diverse. The survey also found that marital status plays a significant role in the likelihood of experiencing violence. Divorced women reported higher rates of psychological, economic, and physical violence compared to never-married women. This data underscores the need for continued efforts to address and prevent violence against women in Turkey.