A Historic Step Toward Equality
While many European women still had no recognized political rights, Turkey made a groundbreaking move on December 5, 1934. With the law passed by the Turkish Grand National Assembly, women received full political rights — both to vote and to stand for election as members of parliament.
With this step, Turkish women secured their political presence in the very republic they helped build with their labor, struggle, and dedication.
A Vision Rooted in Modernity and Progress
Guided by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who led the nation to victory against imperialism, the young Republic of Turkey embraced a bold and modern path. Atatürk aimed for a state based on Western civilization but empowered through revolutionary progress — a nation that would not only follow civilization, but also contribute to it.
Reforms were carried out swiftly and firmly, grounded in principles of equality, secularism, and modern law.
“No Society Can Progress Without Women and Men Walking Together”
The new republic, shaped by the principle of “populism,” promoted equality before the law. Secularism ensured that modern legal systems replaced religious dogmas.
Atatürk emphasized that women and men must work and advance together for true progress:
“If a society does not move towards the same goal with all its women and men together, technical progression is impossible and scientific progression is improbable.”
For this reason, political equality — especially women defending their rights in the political arena — was seen as essential.
Turkish Women Became an Inspiration for Europe
In this spirit, Turkey granted full parliamentary political rights to women in 1934 — at a time when most European states still denied these rights.
The Turkish woman, who carried ammunition to the front with ox-carts during the War of Independence and fought against occupying forces, finally gained political representation in the republic she helped create. She now had the opportunity to continue her struggle as a “political individual.”
Atatürk expressed his pride in this historic breakthrough:
“This decision has given Turkish women a place above all nations in social and political life. The era of the Turkish woman behind the veil and the lattice is now buried in history. Having gained experience in municipal elections, Turkish women are now achieving their greatest political right by voting for and becoming members of parliament. This right, denied to women in many civilized countries, is now in the hands of the Turkish woman — and she will use it with competence and merit.”
The First Women MPs Enter Parliament
In the 1935 general elections, the first women members of parliament took their seats. Out of 395 MPs, 18 were women — a remarkable number for the time.
The political empowerment of Turkish women soon became an inspiration for many European women, who pointed to Turkey as a model in their own struggles for political rights.
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