The 6th International Women and Justice Summit, with the theme ‘Artificial Intelligence and Women’, officially started today at Haliç University in Istanbul, Türkiye. The opening ceremony was attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Türkiye’s first lady Emine Erdoğan, Minister of Family and Social Affairs Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş and several state officials.
The summit, organized by the Foundation for Women and Democracy (KADEM), will take place over two days, from November 8 to 9. It brings together experts, academics and researchers from around the world to explore how artificial intelligence can shape a fairer and more secure future for women. The discussions will focus on the challenges women face in the digital world and how AI can be used to address these issues.
KADEM Board Chairman Saliha Okur Gümrükçüoğlu opened the event with a speech highlighting the profound impact of AI in various sectors, from healthcare to politics. She asked crucial questions about the ongoing transformation and asked: “How is this change unfolding and how does this new digital world see women, who are often overlooked? Who brings to AI the fundamental values of women’s rights, equal opportunities and justice at , and what criteria guide this process?”
Gümrükçüoğlu emphasized the importance of these questions and called for a focused discussion on the opportunities, challenges and implications that AI offers for women.
After her speech, Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş discussed the risks of rapid technological progress. She warned: “If technology is misused, it increases the likelihood of new forms of violence emerging.” The minister reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to ensuring that technology and AI are used to protect and improve human life.
Minister Göktaş also emphasized the growing role of women in shaping the future of Türkiye. “Today, women are strengthening Türkiye by contributing to the country’s strong future. We believe that women’s active involvement in artificial intelligence and technology will accelerate Türkiye’s development in an increasingly digital world.”
In his speech, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reaffirmed his government’s commitment to eliminating discrimination against women and promoting equal opportunities. He emphasized the importance of addressing the impact of digitalization and artificial intelligence on social justice, especially for women.
President Erdoğan commented on the progress Türkiye has made in overcoming social divisions and restrictions over the past two decades, specifically citing the end of discrimination based on whether women wore headscarves or not.
He stated: “In the past, whether or not to wear a headscarf was a cause for division and restrictions. Today, however, Türkiye has become a country where everyone has the freedom to express themselves.”
Erdoğan emphasized that Türkiye has transitioned from a nation burdened by restrictions and pressure to a society that upholds freedom, equality and justice. He highlighted key achievements, including legal reforms, improved support systems and measures aimed at strengthening the role of women in the labor market and in society. He said: “With the reforms we have implemented, the new Türkiye stands as a country of equality and justice. where both men and women enjoy the same rights.”
Erdoğan acknowledged the difficulties encountered by these reforms and noted continued opposition from sectors resistant to change. He noted: “Some quarters, especially those who had benefited from the old system, were against this change. Despite their resistance, we have made great progress in creating a fairer society for women.”
He referred to Türkiye’s constitutional amendments and policy initiatives aimed at introducing positive discrimination in favor of women, especially in the areas of education and employment. “With the changes we have made, we have seen a significant increase in the number of women in the workforce, and we aim for women’s labor force participation to reach 40% by 2028.”
He criticized the ways in which digitalization tends to prioritize appearance and consumer behavior over individuals’ personal contributions, saying: “In today’s digitalized world, we see that the importance of a person’s true identity and contributions is often overshadowed by their outward appearance appearance and materialistic values. .”
He expressed concern about the growing influence of artificial intelligence in reinforcing existing inequalities, especially for women, who often face biases encoded in AI algorithms. He stated: “Artificial intelligence systems, which are far from neutral, unfortunately reinforce existing prejudices, especially against women. This is something we must address because we cannot allow AI to perpetuate discrimination.”
Erdoğan called for universal regulatory frameworks to prevent digital systems from perpetuating injustice, and advocated inclusive standards in AI algorithms that take into account marginalized groups. He stressed: “We must establish global standards that ensure that AI does not exclude certain groups and that it can be used in a way that benefits all humanity, without discrimination.”
Erdoğan turned his attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and emphasized Türkiye’s commitment to supporting Palestinian civilians. He said: “Turkey will continue to support the people of Gaza in their struggle for justice and peace.”
Citing the high toll of women and children in the Gaza conflict, Erdoğan condemned the attacks as a form of systematic violence against vulnerable populations. He stated: “The brutal attacks in Gaza are a form of systematic violence against women and children, and we will not remain silent in the face of such inhumane acts.”
Reflecting on Türkiye’s history of supporting oppressed peoples, Erdoğan described Gaza’s resilient women as symbols of courage, comparing them to Türkiye’s historical heroines who fought for their country. He noted: “The women of Gaza are the modern heroines, just like the women in our history who fought for the independence and sovereignty of our country.”
Erdoğan urged the international community to remember the victims of Gaza and take action to end hostilities. He stated: “It is time for the international community to take a stand and work to end this violence. We will continue to push for a peaceful solution to this violence. this crisis.”
