Feminist movements in Turkey: advocacy in the face of government backlash

Abstract

This chapter examines the evolution and resilience of feminist movements in Turkey, particularly in the context of growing authoritarianism and government repression from 2010 to 2021. It explores how feminist activism, which has roots in the post-1980s era of democratization and internationalization, has adapted to increasingly hostile political conditions. The chapter highlights the strategic shifts in organizational models and repertoires of action, as feminists face criminalization and marginalization by the state, which once viewed them as partners in reform. Despite the challenges, Turkish feminists have continued to advocate for gender equality, often through innovative coalitions and digital activism, while confronting the rise of anti-gender and anti-feminist rhetoric. The chapter also discusses the impact of transnational feminist networks and the role of feminist organizations in maintaining hope and resistance under conditions of political pressure. This analysis provides insight into the dynamic interaction between changing political contexts and feminist strategies in Turkey. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.