Women in Rural Türkİye Navigating Barriers in Access to Resources, Services, and Decision-Making
In 2022, UN Women undertook a comprehensive research project to better understand the challenges and opportunities for women living in rural areas of Türkiye. Despite their vital contributions to agriculture, household management, and care work, rural women face numerous barriers to accessing resources, services, and decision-making roles. The findings of this research offer invaluable insights into their socio-economic conditions and provide recommendations for empowering these women through targeted policies and interventions.
Key Findings from the Research
The report, based on quantitative and qualitative data from 26 provinces, revealed that education and access to services are critical determinants of rural women’s ability to participate in economic activities and decision-making. However, nearly 21% of rural women surveyed had no formal education, and only 13.8% were engaged in paid employment, highlighting significant gaps in labor market participation.
Moreover, the lack of formal social protection, the undervaluation of unpaid care work, and the persistence of traditional gender norms create additional layers of challenges. The research underscores the need for targeted training programs and increased access to agricultural, vocational, and digital literacy education to improve women’s economic independence and livelihood opportunities.
The Path Forward
Empowering rural women requires multi-faceted approaches that address these socio-economic disparities. Investments in education, healthcare, access to social services, and inclusive policy-making can unlock their potential and ensure that rural women fully benefit from Türkiye’s development. Tandans Data Science Consulting is proud to have contributed to the quality assurance of this important research, supporting the journey towards gender equality and sustainable rural development in Türkiye.