Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Central Executive Committee member Ayşe Çelikbilek evaluated the discussions on the new constitution. Stating that a new constitution is important for democratisation, Ayşe Çelikbilek said, "The current constitution is a coup constitution. It is a constitution imposed on society from the top. Therefore, it is far from a mechanism that can protect the society."

 

'MULTILINGUAL AND MULTICULTURAL CONSTITUTION'

 

Stating that many problems faced by women stem from the current constitution, Ayşe Çelikbilek said, "Women do not see themselves in the current constitution. Because there are no protective laws for women, youth and the society in general in this constitution. For this, a new constitution is needed. The constitution to be made should be a multilingual, multicultural constitution that can accommodate all segments of society. A constitution that will address all the peoples living in Turkey, especially the Kurds, needs to be created."

 

Ayşe Çelikbilek noted that the constitution should be a broad contract covering the whole society: "Society cannot be liberated without the liberation of women. Since we are talking about social emancipation today, then the necessary changes and transformations must be realised. These changes and transformations should be based on the idea of women. First of all, legal grounds such as the Istanbul Convention, which cannot give up the gains of women, must be established. For this, the Istanbul Convention needs to be renewed and re-enacted in line with the wishes and demands of women."

 

She stressed: "It is necessary to create an environment that can meet the expectations of the society and establish her voice comfortably. With this convention, women's living conditions need to be created. It should be a contract that will ensure gender consciousness and struggle, reflect the will and colour of women, and eliminate the policies of discrimination against women."