President Ersin Tatar's written statement marking 8 March International Women’s Day: “Strong women, strong society”
President Ersin Tatar has issued a written statement marking 8 March International Women’s Day
President Ersin Tatar has paid tribute to the women of the country including the women labourers in a written statement marking 8 March International Women’s Day, where he stated:
"The United Nations has marked March 8 as International Women's Day in 1975 in order to emphasise the role and importance of women in our lives and to draw attention to women's problems.
Across the world and in our country, the role of women in our lives is increasing, and efforts to find solutions to women's problems are gaining momentum. Women are integral part of social and economic life and an important member of the family, which constitutes the smallest unit of society. The responsibilities our women undertake as mothers in raising new generations show how vital they are in bringing up future generations who are beneficial to their families, our country and ultimately humanity.
With the motto "Strong women, strong society", we believe that there is no discrimination between men and women in terms of fundamental rights and freedoms, and that all institutions and organisations of the State, as well as non-governmental organisations, are formed to ensure that our women have a say in every level of society, from education and business life to healthcare and politics. The work and contributions of women is very important. What needs to be done, however, is to analise and measure the level of successes on this issue in the last year, and to take steps forward for the year ahead which is something that should be repeated yearly.
Turkish Cypriot women have made invaluable contributions to our national struggle for existence and freedom, the establishment of our State and to economic efforts to reach a certain level from point zero.
Our biggest problem is violence and abuse against women, who are mothers, sisters, wives and life partners. Violence and abuse against women are utterly unacceptable. For modern civilised people, violence and abuse against women is shameful. States, governments and societies should attach great importance to addressing this issue, to eliminate this shame. All relevant state institutions and non-governmental organisations should increase their efforts further to ensure that these issues are left in the past.
With these feelings and thoughts, I pay tribute to the women of our country and to all women of the world whilst marking 8 March International Women's Day, and I wish a future of prosperity and peace, where suffering and wars no longer exist."