Challenge Accepted: From a Femicide to Black and White Photos, What’s Going on in Turkey?
Pinar Gutelkin is a 27-year-old woman who was recently brutally murdered by her ex-boyfriend. Unfortunately, gender-based violence has been on the rise in Turkey, and since this incident took place, women across the world have been sharing pictures of themselves in black and white under the hashtag women supporting women and women empowering women, in solidarity with Turkey.
According to The Guardian, a vigil was held for Gültekin and other victims of femicide in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş neighborhood, as well as three other cities on Tuesday night. “We are here Pınar, we will hold them accountable,” women chanted while waving purple flags.
It’s very sad to admit that violence against women and the so-called ‘honor’ killings have been deeply rooted not only in Turkey’s culture but in the Middle East in general. The time for change is now.
