Turkish women envoys in Latin America make their mark

By Zuhal Demirci

ANKARA (AA) – Turkey’s women diplomats serving in Latin America are making their mark and having an influence in a world that is still dominated by men.

Via email, Turkey’s ambassadors serving in Chile, Argentina, and Cuba shared messages with Anadolu Agency marking March 8, International Women’s Day.

Out of Turkey’s 13 embassies in Latin America, four are led by women diplomats: Venezuela, Argentina, Cuba, and Chile (whose ambassador is also the envoy to Paraguay and Uruguay).

Turkish Ambassador to Santiago Naciye Gokcen Kaya, who has been in office since 2013, told the agency that she is working hard to build bridges between Turkey and Chile.

“Women should have a voice in all areas of the world, including politics, science, art, and the economy, which would serve to ensure peace, friendship, reconciliation and stability,” she said.

Meral Barlas, Turkey’s recently appointed ambassador to Buenos Aires, is also handling diplomatic relations with Paraguay and Uruguay.

“In 28 years with the Foreign Ministry, I haven’t faced any discrimination, and everyone is treated equally and fairly based on professional qualifications,” she said.

She said the number of women diplomats in the ministry is rising thanks to this merit-based approach, adding, that she is pleased to see her colleagues get recognition for their qualifications and accomplishments.

One seasoned diplomat said, “I find it very important to publicly draw attention to ongoing violence and discrimination against women.”

Turkish Ambassador to Havana Berris Ekici -- who was appointed in December -- said, “It is a great honor and pleasure to represent our country and promote it as part of this.”

On International Women’s Day, she said much progress remains to be made, explaining, “There is a long way to go for women’s rights in every corner of the world. The reality of today is that of a male-dominant society.”

She said women and men should take steps together on this issue. Raising awareness of women’s rights is key, she added.