Near East University Faculty of Law examined approaches to positive discrimination with the event titled “Which is the Right Path in Women’s Rights?”
Women’s rights, one of the most fundamental issues of social life, continues to be debated with different approaches and proposed solutions. In this context, one of the most debated questions in the development of women’s rights, “Equality or Positive Discrimination?”, was discussed academically at Near East University, which is among the top 500 universities in the world. The event, organized by the Faculty of Law and bringing together different perspectives on women’s rights, provided participants with an intellectually enriching experience.
At the event, held at the Prof. Dr. Ümit Hassan Republic Hall of the Near East University Grand Library, academics defended the theses of “There should be positive discrimination” and “There should be complete equality” with strong arguments. The event, which offered a lively discussion environment, included Law Faculty students Melda Altunkaya and Edanur Özdemir who emphasized the importance of positive discrimination in addressing the structural inequalities women face in social life, while Aleyna Görentaş and Büşra Kundakoğlu argued that full and unconditional equality should be the guiding principle. Continuing their discussions from the perspectives of law, human rights, and social structure, the students comprehensively addressed issues such as equal opportunity, the application of equality principles, and social justice.
The event, which developed students’ critical thinking and persuasion skills, was assessed by a jury consisting of Near East University Faculty of Law Dean Prof. Dr. Yeter Tabur, Vice Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammed Erdal, and faculty member Assist. Prof. Dr. Tutku Tuğyan. The organizing team included Near East University Faculty of Law faculty members Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatma Alaslan, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aysun Beydola, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayten Ordu, Dr. Nazlıcan Varış, and Research Assistant İrem Erdal.
They assessed women’s rights from a multi-dimensional perspective!
Throughout the discussion, students offered assessments within a broad framework, ranging from the historical development of women’s rights to contemporary legal systems. Presentations included examples from policies implemented in different countries, international conventions, and judicial decisions. The intersection of gender roles with the legal system was also addressed in a multifaceted way. Participants highlighted the problems women face in education, employment, and representation, and explored which approach could yield more sustainable results in solving these problems. Furthermore, the importance of raising social awareness, changing cultural perceptions, and ensuring women’s active participation in decision-making processes was emphasized. Enriched by mutual questions and evaluations, the session transformed into a dynamic and thought-provoking platform where not only theoretical but also practical solutions were discussed. Students, in presenting their ideas, demonstrated a critical approach aimed at understanding both their own perspectives and those of others, adding an interactive dimension to the event.
