Women and Family on the 100th Anniversary of the Civil Code Discussed at CIU

The symposium titled “Women and Family on the 100th Anniversary of the Civil Code,” organized through the collaboration of the Faculty of Law at Cyprus International University and the Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UKAMER), was held with the participation of expert academics and legal professionals. During the event, the impact of the Civil Code on women and family structure was evaluated from legal, social, and cultural perspectives in a multidimensional manner.

The opening speech of the symposium was delivered by Prof. Dr. Şölen Külahçı. Külahçı emphasized the historical importance of the Civil Code in terms of women’s rights and stressed that the achievements gained should be further developed in line with present-day conditions. It was also noted that the problems women face in social life are not limited to legal regulations alone, and the importance of ensuring that these rights are reflected in everyday social life was highlighted.

The first session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Şükran Şıpka. Presentations were delivered by Prof. Dr. Özlem Yenerer Çakmut, Dr. Fatma Esenyel Hanaz, and Dr. İdil İnal. Çakmut addressed the concept of the waiting period (iddet müddeti) within the framework of criminal law and argued that the current regulations should be reconsidered in light of scientific developments. Hanaz examined debates surrounding alimony for poverty from both legal and social perspectives, stating that the main issue in this area stems from structural conditions. İnal evaluated post-marriage civil registration and surname practices, emphasizing the need for more egalitarian regulations aimed at protecting women’s identities.

The second session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Özlem Yenerer Çakmut. Speakers included Prof. Dr. Şükran Şıpka, Aslı Arıkan, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uğur Bulut. Şıpka discussed the effects of the fault-based system in divorce law on women, noting that this approach can complicate judicial processes. Arıkan evaluated the persistent nature of violence during divorce proceedings through field experiences, emphasizing that risks particularly increase during separation stages. Bulut examined family mediation practices and stated that the current system may present drawbacks, especially in situations involving power imbalances.

The third session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Şölen Külahçı, Dean of the Faculty of Law at CIU. Presentations were delivered by Prof. Dr. Şükran Ertürk, Prof. Dr. Arzu Ertürk, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bengü Berkmen, and Dr. Sultan Çamak Yanpar. Topics discussed included gender equality in working life, social security rights for women, and psychological and sexual harassment encountered in the workplace. It was emphasized that the invisible barriers women face in economic and social spheres should be addressed alongside the strengthening of the legal framework.

The fourth session was chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elza Alışova Demirdağ. Presentations and evaluations were made by Prof. Dr. Umay Türkeş Günay, İsmail Bozkurt, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mihrican Aylanç. Discussions focused on the historical development of women’s rights, the transformation of family structure within the Turkish Cypriot community, and the effects of cultural norms on women’s lives. It was stated that women’s right to life should be addressed not only through legal regulations but also through broader social and cultural transformation.

Throughout the symposium, a common conclusion emerged that although the Civil Code has provided significant gains in terms of women’s rights, current regulations need to be reconsidered in line with contemporary needs. The event is expected to contribute to the development of academic knowledge related to women and family law, as well as to raising social awareness on these issues.