Turkey: Erdogan says women, men can't perform same kinds of jobs
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 24 November 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Turkey: Erdogan says women, men can't perform same kinds of jobs, 24 November 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/548ea91713.html [accessed 22 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
November 24, 2014
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said women cannot be placed "on an equal footing with men."
Speaking at a summit on November 24, Erdogan said heavy manual work, such as "digging the soil" is not suited for women, whose "characters, habits, and physiques are different" from men.
Erdogan also said motherhood should be a priority for women, saying this was the correct Islamic way of life.
Erdogan left the Islamic-rooted Justice and Development Party in August to become president, a nominally non-partisan post.
During his 11-year tenure as prime minister, he was accused of seeking to erode Turkey's secular principles and limiting civil liberties of women.
Erdogan has said every Turkish family should have at least three children, and proposed to limit abortion rights.
Based on reporting by dpa and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
