Turkey drops in rank to 99th on Women, Peace, and Security Index

ANKARA — Turkey continues to slide down international indexes measuring freedom and security as the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan fails to uphold fundamental rights.

The latest blow to Turkey’s reputation comes from the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security’s (GIWPS) Women, Peace and Security Index, now in its fourth iteration since 2017, which tracks women’s rights and security across the globe. According to this critical index, Turkey has secured the 99th position out of 177 countries, a ranking that raises serious concerns.

A thorough analysis forming the foundation of the Women, Peace, and Security Index for 2023/2024 spotlights a significant decline in Turkish government policies related to education and social security. This downward trend has resulted in Turkey’s worsening placement when compared to other nations in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East.

One notable setback in Turkey’s commitment to women’s rights occurred in July 2021 when the Turkish government officially withdrew from the Istanbul Convention, an international agreement designed to prevent violence against women. This move drew widespread condemnation within Turkey and from international organizations, further tarnishing the nation’s standing on the global stage.