The conference jointly organized by the SES Equality and Solidarity Association and Şişli Municipality, voiced the importance of cooperation between local governments, civil society, and the business sector for strengthening democracy.
SES Equality and Solidarity Association, with contributions from Şişli Municipality, organized the conference titled “Collaboration of Local Governments, Business Sector, and Civil Society for the Development of Democracy,” aiming to strengthen multi-stakeholder partnerships for the advancement of democracy and gender equality.
“We Can Build Democracy from the Local Level”
Speaking at the conference, the founder of SES Equality and Solidarity Association, Gülseren Onanç emphasized that democracy in Turkey has weakened and that the powers of local governments have been restricted. She stated, “We can build democracy in our country from the local level through the solidarity of local governments that draw their strength from the people, independent civil society organizations, and a business sector that values the development of democracy by embracing ethical, transparent, and accountable governance.”
“Partnerships with the Business Sector and Civil Society Will Guide Our Path”
Şişli Mayor Resul Emrah Şahan emphasized the significant role of local governments in empowering women, ensuring equality for children, and addressing social issues. He noted that in the quest for a more democratic Turkey, local governments must support strong citizens, women, and youth through effective policies.
Mayor Şahan also highlighted that the empowerment of women can have transformative effects not only in the workforce but across all areas of life. He emphasized that local governments aim to reach every segment of society through such projects.
The Power to Build a Bridge of Trust: Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
There were multiple calls that were shared in the meeting.
TÜSİAD Board Member Serpil Veral and KAGİDER President Esra Bezircioğlu emphasized the need to strengthen trust between the business sector and local governments.
Ibrahim Betil, founder of the Community Volunteers Foundation, underlined that Turkey still lacks a sufficient number of competent civil society organizations and that citizens tend to have high expectations from the state.
Academics Prof. Andrew Crane and Dr. Kostas Latridis from the University of Bath in the UK shared examples from their research in various countries, highlighting that in societies where democracy thrives, the business sector plays an active role in promoting gender equality, inclusivity, and the rule of law.
Esin Köymen, Mayor of Maltepe Municipality, noted that her perspective on social issues is shaped by her background in civil society as a female mayor. Enif Yavuz Dipşar, Head of the Social Services Department of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB), emphasized the importance and continuity of the municipality’s daycare center initiatives.
Ebru Ağduk, representing UN Women in Turkey, warned that the decreasing financial resources allocated to civil society globally pose a serious threat to democracy.
Dr. Sezin Dereci Kösem, Programs Manager at the Sabancı Foundation, stressed that inter-institutional collaboration is essential for the success of projects.
Serap Özer, daughter of detained Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer, whose municipality was placed under trusteeship, attended the meeting and read a message from her father.
