A New Era of Female Leadership in Turkey’s Local Politics
In a striking shift within Turkey’s political landscape, Gulistan Sonuk, a 31-year-old from the pro-Kurdish DEM party, has emerged victorious in the country’s conservative stronghold, signaling a broader change as women leaders rise to prominence. Sonuk’s win is part of a significant trend that saw the number of female mayors in Turkey’s 81 provinces nearly triple, with 11 women now holding these influential positions.
The local elections were not just about political parties but also represented a broader societal debate. Sonuk articulated this sentiment, saying, “The election took place between two sharp lines. One was the mentality that saw women as second-class, and the other defended women’s freedom. The public chose the latter.” Her landslide victory in Batman with nearly 65% of the vote was a clear rejection of the status quo.
President Tayyip Erdogan’s AK Party and its allies faced a significant setback as the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and other parties made substantial gains. This election cycle marked Erdogan and the AKP’s most severe loss in over two decades, with opposition female candidates averaging nearly 53% of the vote, according to Women’s Platform for Equality (ESIK) data.
The increase in female political representation comes amid criticism of Turkey’s stance on women’s rights, particularly following its withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention in 2021. However,
Economic factors also played a role in the election outcomes, with voters expressing discontent over soaring inflation rates. In an unexpected turn, Istanbul’s Uskudar district elected its first female mayor, Sinem Dedetas of the CHP, unseating the incumbent AKP leader. Sociologist Feyza Akinerdem highlighted Uskudar’s readiness for change, emphasizing its “inclusive spirituality and shared cultural belonging” rather than strict conservatism.
The election results have not only reshaped the municipal leadership across Turkey but have also sent a powerful message about gender equality and the evolving role of women in Turkish politics.
