For All Women and Girls: Gaye Erbatur on women’s leadership and institutional change
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#ForAllWomenandGirls is a rallying call for action on the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. In 2025, the world marks 30 years since the landmark 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing – a defining moment in the global movement for gender equality. Prof. Dr. Gaye Erbatur, 74, a politician and advocate for women’s rights from Türkiye, reflects on the role of women in leadership, the importance of institutional reform, and the need to strengthen legal systems for gender equality.
Championing gender equality in politics
Prof. Dr. Gaye Erbatur is a leading voice for women’s rights both in academia and politics. As a professor and former Member of Parliament of Türkiye’s Grand National Assembly, she has been instrumental in shaping policies that advance gender equality at institutional and legislative levels.
From Beijing 1995: A defining moment for women’s rights
For Erbatur, the 1995 Beijing Conference was a turning point in her career. As part of Türkiye’s delegation, she was deeply engaged in discussions, witnessing firsthand how international negotiations shaped the final document.
“It was eye-opening to see how countries approached gender issues and how much effort was needed to reach a consensus on fundamental rights,” she recalls.
She remembers the conference as an event filled with energy, ambition, and solidarity. “The Beijing Platform for Action was not just a declaration - it was a roadmap for real change.”
During the conference, Erbatur participated in dialogues that highlighted the shared struggles and regional nuances of gender inequality. She recalls intense debates over issues such as women’s political representation, economic independence, and reproductive rights.
"It was a reminder that while our cultural contexts may differ, the fight for gender equality transcends borders," she says. “Seeing women from different cultures and backgrounds fight for the same cause reinforced the idea that gender equality is a universal struggle, not just a national issue.”
The legacy of the Beijing Declaration
One of the most critical outcomes of the Conference in Beijing was the establishment of institutional mechanisms for gender equality. Erbatur emphasizes that strong institutions to monitor and implement gender policies are essential for ensuring lasting change.
“Laws alone are not enough; we need dedicated institutions to enforce policies, monitor progress, and address setbacks,” she says.
She points out that many commitments made in Beijing were later incorporated into national policies and legislative frameworks, leading to advances in women’s legal rights, political representation, and access to education.
However, Erbatur acknowledges that institutional change is slow and often faces resistance. Despite progress, gender equality remains an ongoing struggle.
“We must continuously evaluate whether the laws on gender equality are being implemented effectively,” she argues. She stresses the need for accountability, political commitment, and grassroots activism to ensure governments uphold their commitments to gender equality.
30 years later: Women in leadership and the road ahead
Three decades on, Erbatur sees women’s leadership as a key indicator of progress. More women are stepping into decision-making roles in politics, academia, and business. However, she warns that women leaders still face systemic barriers.
“Women in leadership positions often have to work twice as hard to be taken seriously. There is still a long way to go in breaking down stereotypes and biases,” she explains.
One of the major challenges is the persistence of gender-based discrimination within institutions. Even when policies exist, societal and cultural biases can hinder their impact.
“Institutions shape our daily lives - whether in education, employment, or governance. If they are not structured to support gender equality, progress will always be limited,” she cautions.
She also highlights the role of education in shifting mindsets.
“The next generation of leaders - both men and women - must be raised with a strong understanding of equality. We must integrate gender awareness into education, policymaking, and professional development".
Prof. Dr. Gaye Erbatur, Academic and Former MP
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A message for future generations: Sustain the momentum
Reflecting on the road ahead, Erbatur emphasizes the importance of long-term commitment.
“Gender equality is not something that can be achieved in one generation. It requires constant vigilance, adaptation, and advocacy,” she says.
She encourages younger activists and policymakers to continue pushing for institutional reforms and ensuring gender policies translate into real change. Erbatur believes intergenerational collaboration is key.
“The struggles of the past must inform the fights of the future. Young activists should not have to start from zero; they should build on the work already done and take it further,” she concludes.
