29/03/2026
THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN OUR SOCIETY
On 26 March 2026, the Rotary and Rotaract Club of Kyrenia Cosmopolitan was honoured to host Doğuş Derya, Member of Parliament, for a thought-provoking presentation on “The Role of Women in Our Society.”
Drawing on both historical context and contemporary realities, Doğuş Derya explored the evolution of women’s roles within a predominantly patriarchal global framework. She highlighted the long and often challenging journey toward equality, from women’s suffrage movements to their increased participation in the workforce during the Industrial Revolution and the World Wars—milestones that reshaped societal structures yet left many inequalities unresolved.
Reflecting her longstanding commitment to gender equality and social justice, Doğuş Derya paid tribute to the courage and determination of feminist pioneers who have campaigned tirelessly for fundamental rights. These include equal pay, reproductive rights, and fair representation in political and public life—often achieved in the face of significant resistance and personal risk.
The discussion also turned to the local context, examining how cultural and societal norms continue to shape gender roles. While legal rights such as voting and employment are established, the persistence of traditional expectations—where women often carry a disproportionate share of domestic responsibilities—creates an uneven playing field. This imbalance continues to impact women’s career progression and broader participation in leadership roles.
Key issues addressed included the urgent need for stronger support systems, such as safe houses for women experiencing domestic violence, as well as greater representation of women in executive leadership, political decision-making, and peace-building processes. The rights and protections of women and children in diverse family structures were also highlighted as areas requiring continued attention and reform.
The central message of the evening was clear: while meaningful progress has been made, the journey toward true equality remains ongoing. Achieving a fair and just society requires not only legal and political change, but also a cultural shift driven by education, awareness, and collective responsibility.
As emphasised during the event, when women are empowered, societies grow stronger—and the future becomes brighter for all.
The presentation concluded with an engaging Q&A session, during which attendees posed insightful questions and shared relevant examples. This interactive exchange enriched the discussion and further enhanced the depth and impact of the session
