This week I want to share with you a recent newsletter from SES, an organization led by my friend and Connected Women Leaders (CWL) colleague, Gülseren Onanç in Istanbul, Turkey. It’s important for all of us who are engaged in the work towards greater social justice and gender equality to know what other committed women and male allies are leading around the world. 

SES Equality, Justice, Woman Platform has been releasing Turkey’s first and only gender-focused e-bulletin since 2020. Established by the SES Equality and Solidarity Association, which carries out local and international projects for gender equality, the SES Equality, Justice, Women Platform shares news articles and produces original content on gender equality, women’s pursuit of rights and justice, women’s leadership, and visibility in politics, business and arts. 

I find the SES newsletter an essential source of news on gender equality activism and policy developments in Europe and the Middle East. I hope you enjoy this collection of news stories, videos and recommended books just translated into English.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

This year, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign led by UN Women calls for solidarity with women’s rights movements around the world who are bravely resisting attacks against women’s rights and inspiring others to #PushForward.

No Peace Without Women: Afghan Activists On Women’s Representation

The first-hand accounts of Afghan peace activists showcase the importance of women’s representation and leadership in peace and security processes and what their absence can mean for a country.

Book By Kurdish Women Politicians In Prison Out In English

The Purple Color of Kurdish Politics, a collection of prison writings from 22 Kurdish women who were elected to office in Turkey and then imprisoned on political grounds, is published by Pluto Press in the UK.

The Dangers Faced by LGBTQ In The Middle East

With the 2022 World Cup being held in Qatar, much attention has been placed on the country’s strict laws regarding the LGBTQ community. However, Qatar is just one of a number of nations in the Middle East where LGBTQ are marginalized and criminalized.

EU Parliament Approves Boosting Gender Equality on Corporate Boards

The European Parliament has formally adopted the new EU law on gender balance on corporate boards. By 2026, companies will need to have 40% of the underrepresented sex among non-executive directors or 33% among all directors.

Thinking About an Inclusive Gender Just Climate Finance

Indigenous and feminist voices called for climate finance to be accessible, inclusive and gender just at GAGGA’s COP 27 side event. The event was co-organized by NTFP-EP and GAGGA.

POWERFUL WORDS

❝ It is not enough simply to express sympathy or solidarity with the Iranian protesters, as if they belong to some faraway exotic culture. All the relativist babble about cultural specificities and sensitivities is now meaningless. We can and should see the Iranian struggle as synonymous with our own.❞

Slavoj Zizek

WATCH NOW

Fighting for women's rights: Latin America’s feminist movement

In Latin America, many women are fed up. They’ve had enough of macho culture and outdated female imagery. Now, they’re at war: While abortions are now legal in Argentina, an anti-feminist counter-offensive is starting in Brazil. They are united by the hope that protests and popular opinion can bring about change.

Consider subscribing yourself.

As Gülseren writes: 

By subscribing to our Platform, You will support women's struggle for equality and justice, You will be informed about the activities of the SES Equality, Justice, Women Platform, You will receive a newsletter through which you will be able to access the contents of the SES Equality, Justice Women's Platform that deepen thought, encourage and increase solidarity, And together we will contribute to and be a part of the change.

You can do that here. 

Onward!
- Pat