Intersection of the Rights to Freedom of Belief and Gender Equality in Turkey

Abstract

Abstract Despite the efforts of the women’s movement in Turkey, gender equality as a norm has been abandoned in state policies due to the rise of neoliberal authoritarianism. Our study aims to take a snapshot of religious services access and gender equality while stressing the parallel norms by focusing on justice, equality and the prohibition of discrimination. Further, since ensuring freedom of religion or belief and gender equality is the duty of the state, our research exposes the legal and institutional framework regulating the intersection of these two fundamental human rights areas and Turkey’s related policies and practices. In doing so, the study delves into the state’s adherence to international human rights treaties and elaborates on women’s positioning in the organization of religious services, as well as shedding light on human rights protections and observed violations of those rights within the spheres of family law and religious education.