Our first speaker, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selin Kiraz Demir, provided a detailed analysis of how representations of violence against women in cinema have changed from past to present, the points at which tensions emerge, and how these representations have transformed over time. Drawing on both her academic background and her industry experience, she critically examined the gendered perspectives embedded within the field of cinema. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selin Kiraz Demir illustrated how these perspectives are reproduced throughout production processes and, based on her own research, offered strong proposals on how these patterns can be challenged. She emphasized the necessary steps to foster more egalitarian and sensitive representations of women in film.
Our second speaker, Dr. Nur İnci Namlı—Clinical Psychologist and Lecturer—discussed her extensive experience in child and adolescent clinical psychology in relation to the phenomenon of violence. She demonstrated with concrete examples that violence is not merely an individual issue, but one deeply rooted in the structural and systemic problems of society. Dr. Namlı highlighted that these systemic issues encompass a wide range of areas, from family dynamics and school environments to social policies and gender inequality. She underscored the need for holistic, community-centered approaches that extend beyond individual psychological interventions to effectively prevent violence.
Our third speaker, Gender Studies Specialist Arda Begüm Bayır, explored the sociological dimensions of violence against women through the lens of her project and thesis work on women’s rights in the legal field. She explained the strong interconnections between sociology and law by drawing on her fieldwork and academic studies. Bayır emphasized that violence against women is not solely a legal issue; it is also shaped by social norms, cultural assumptions, and power relations. Her presentation—supported by current data and case examples—was followed with great interest by the participants.
Our fourth speaker, Attorney Süreyya Kardelen Yarlı, examined violence against women from a detailed legal perspective. She discussed how legal mechanisms can be effectively utilized to empower women and outlined, in clear and accessible language, the rights that women subjected to violence possess. Yarlı stressed that legal gains alone are not sufficient; these rights must also be widely known and supported within society. She provided thorough information on the institutions to which a woman facing violence should first apply, how the application process unfolds, and what legal steps may follow thereafter. In doing so, she delivered a presentation that was both awareness-raising and practically informative.
Kadına Yönelik Şiddetle Mücadele
