2024 saw women’s rights eroded under conservative and authoritarian regimes, devastating conflicts in Israel-Palestine and Ukraine, rampant exploitation of nature, and a global backslide in democracy. Amid these challenges, women rose as powerful voices of resistance, confronting oppression and championing change. We celebrated them and raised their voice.
On January 21, the SES Women of the Year Award Ceremony was held at the Pera Museum. Now in its fourth year, the ceremony celebrated remarkable women whose courage and wisdom embody what the world needs most.
The event took place against the backdrop of a challenging year. The year 2024 was marked by the erosion of women’s rights under conservative and authoritarian regimes, devastating wars in regions like Israel-Palestine and Ukraine-Russia, the exploitation of nature by neoliberal interests, and a global decline in democracy. Yet, in the face of these systemic injustices, women emerged as powerful voices of resistance, speaking out against oppression and advocating for change.
The women honored at the ceremony came from diverse backgrounds and struggles, united by their unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and the protection of both human and environmental rights. Among them were the women of Hacıbekir and Yanıklar villages in Çanakkale, who fought fearlessly against a powerful company threatening to destroy their forests, becoming symbols of the fight to protect nature. There were women workers from Polonez Gıda Factory who defied exploitation through months of protests, showing the power of solidarity and determination. Activists and lawyers stood firm for secularism despite pressure from conservative authorities, while women in politics claimed their space in male-dominated arenas, bringing transformative leadership to local governance.
Artists and athletes broke barriers, becoming role models for future generations, while journalists amplified voices for freedom and independence in media. Kurdish feminist leader Gültan Kışanak, who endured imprisonment and systemic oppression, was celebrated for her resilience and decades of advocacy. Even internationally, the ceremony highlighted voices like Palestinian columnist Arwa Mahdawi and climate justice advocates Klima Seniorinnen, whose legal battle held their government accountable for environmental harm.
The winners were not merely individuals; they represented movements, solidarity, and the collective fight for a better world. Their selection was a participatory process, with 3,500 votes cast to recognize women who exemplify courage and wisdom in their advocacy for gender equality, environmental justice, labor rights, and democracy.
The evening ended with the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented to the Contemporary Life Association, celebrating its 35 years of unwavering commitment to science, reason, and secularism. Founded by Türkan Saylan, the association’s work remains a beacon of hope and inspiration.
As the applause echoed through the hall and emotions ran high, the ceremony reminded everyone that these women’s stories are a call to action. Their courage and wisdom light the way forward, urging us to be part of the change they are creating. In honoring these women, SES Equality and Solidarity Association reaffirmed its belief that raising voices in solidarity can shape a better world.
What the world truly needs is not just hope but the courage and wisdom of women who dare to create it.