How can Turkey become democratic? – Zenda Informationscenter

From disarmament to democracy

On 10 August 2026, Parliament approved legislation creating a framework for the disarmament and reintegration of PKK members. 468 / 600 MPs voted in favour.

This is a historic step toward ending a conflict that has lasted for more than four decades.

Peace is not automatically democracy. The legislation does not settle the broader questions of Kurdish political and cultural rights, “anti-terror” legislation, or the wider democratic reforms demanded by Kurdish representatives.

Where are the women?

The parliamentary peace commission had 51 members, only 9 of whom were women. An analysis of the commission also found that its final report did not meaningfully integrate gender equality or a gendered perspective into peacebuilding.

If women are absent from the peace table, how can peace transform society? Women need more than a seat at the table.

What would democratization really mean?

It can not only mean: disarmament, reintegration and an ending armed conflict. But also: political representation, rule of law, freedom of expression, minority rights, gender equality, protection from violence and meaningful participation in society.

A democratic peace must change everyday life — not only political institutions.

But how is everyday life in Turkey?

As women face femicide, domestic violence, sexual violence and harassment. Following Turkey’s formal withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention in July 2021, the country has experienced a pronounced escalation in domestic and gender-based violence, alongside ongoing state crackdowns on public protests and cross-border military conflicts.

Young girls are getting sexually abused, face exploitation, disappearance and online exploitation. As young people tackling with drugs, exploitation, trafficking and economic vulnerability.

A democracy cannot be safe if women are not safe

According to the We Will Stop Femicides Platform: 2023: 315 women killed, 248 women died under suspicious circumstances , 2024: 394 women killed, 259 women died under suspicious circumstances , 2025: 294 women killed, 297 women died under suspicious circumstances.