The Ethical Principles Guide on Violence Against Women prepared within the scope of 4th National Action Plan on Combating Violence Against Women, which was realized by the collaborative work of Radio and Television Supreme Council, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Family and Social Services, was introduced publicly in Ankara.

Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy and Chair of Parliamentary Commission of Equal Opportunities for Women and Men (KEFEK) Çiğdem Erdoğan Atabek, attended the launch meeting at ATO Congresium, where civil society representatives and members of the media were also present.

Minister Ersoy put emphasis on the important achivements of Türkiye in combatting violence against women, and the increment of societie’s susceptibility towards this issue. He reminded that Mr. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Mrs. Emine Erdoğan have promoted many campaigns within the scope of this challenge. Minister Ersoy also mentioned the significant  actions of non-governmental organizations which strive on women's rights.

Minister Ersoy noted that bureaucracy, local authorities, business world, the world of sports and public opinion, associations and foundations are organizing campaigns to raise awareness, and studies have been carried out to draw attention to the psychological, sociological and cultural aspects of this issue.

Indicating the upsetting events which are reflected on the news, Minister Ersoy quoted that although the individual freedoms of women as well as their influence in the political and social domain have increased, these kind of scenes demonstrate the scope of the problem.

Minister Ersoy depicted the combat as a long term challenge, and added that regardless of the scope and the complexity of the problem they would continue giving their all to put an end to the violance against women.

Minister Ersoy, continued his words as follows:

“First of all, I would like to state that we, on no account, will accustom to this problem and normalize the  violence against women. When the violance is on the news, it is not going to be seen as an ordinary event. It should not be forgotten that the extremest danger is to normalize and accustom to a problem which threatens communal living, human dignity and decent living. We refuse such perspective. Besides, we also witness certain contents which fuel social problems.”

In his speech, RTÜK President Ebubekir Şahin stated that the media should combat violence against women through broadcasts. Mr. Şahin quoted that at the meeting with the senior administratives of the tv channels, as RTÜK they mentioned their susceptibility related to the the content in daily programs, and gave recommendations accordingly. Mr. Şahin said; “Notably in drama productions, and in certain news reports or daily programs, it is obvious that either deliberately or inconsciently and recklessly generated contents fuel this societal issue.”

President Şahin informed that RTÜK has been receiving numerous complaints about those daily programs and mentioned that he advised the seniors of the tv channels to generate the contents of those programs relating to women’s education, child care or women’s rights.

Mr. Şahin continued his words as follows:

“The morning newscast start with murder and violence news and keep going on the evening news programs, in the circumstances,  our country appears as if it takes the lead in murder cases, violence against women and society based violence. This not something that we can tolerate”

RTÜK President Şahin, once and for all, summed up the code of conducts as; "Show the perpetrator not the victim", "Do not legitimate the violance", "Not prestigous yet culprit", "Broadcast the penalty, show the justice”", "Support the campaign, set an example to the children", "Show forth the strong women, describe women as strong”

Subsequent to the keynotes, Supreme Council Member Deniz Güçer addressed the audience. She mentioned that while determining the principles, the taskforce was mindful of maintaining ethical boundaries and not interfering in the editorial independences. She said that, their aim was not to restrict or limit, but make recommendations to improve the awareness on public responsibility and contribute to the development of broadcasting services. Ms. Güçer told that one of the motivations of the team was to create a worldwide impact. The study has started with researching  national and international standards and examples on both theories and practicals of good practices. Another focus of the taskforce was to proceed the process with a participatory approach. Mentioning that they place special emphasis on the opinions of media professionals, Ms. Güçer stated that they were attentive to ask the opinions of the stakeholders and therefore expressed her gratitude to the members of media, professors of the academic world, vocational associations and press agency representatives. She also put a remark on the contributions of RTÜK President Mr. Ebubekir Şahin and Supreme Council Members during the time course, yet it sustains and encourages them to cooperate with men while working through the topic of fight against the violence against women.

Following Ms. Güçer who delivered a presentation after her speech, Ministry of Family and Social Services General Director for the Status of Women Süreyya Erkan, and General Directorate of Security KADES  (Women's Emergency Support Notification System) Branch Manager Dr. Sibel Özdemir delivered their presentations.