Nobel laureate urges women to do more in politics

By Hatice Senses Kurukiz

ISTANBUL (AA) - Yemeni Nobel Peace Laureate Tawakkol Karman said Monday that women should take a greater initiative in politics and commerce to win their rights and develop society.

“If women take more of an initiative in politics, they can pave way for others of the same kind in society,” the Yemeni activist told a Women Who Make a Mark Summit in Istanbul, ahead of this Wednesday's International Women's Dy, adding that women could thus win more respect.

“Women are the leaders of families. But now I call on women around the world to show more interest in politics ... If they do this, they would see more respect in society, play a key role in the nation,” she added.

Karman also called on men to support women’s political and economic advancement.

“Please trust your wife, daughter and sister; support them. Men, especially those from Muslim society, have thousands of things that make them proud of their wives and daughters.”

Women play a key role in every successful revolution and have shown that they can overcome all types of obstacles, she argued.

“There were women behind all revolutions, struggle for independence… We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with men to create change and build the future.”

“But, on the contrary, unfortunately, we live in man-dominated society. We can see all around the world that men are dominant in society.”

Karman stressed women’s equal rights to be citizens and get justice. “Everyone should be treated equally,” she said, adding that men should support women in this context.

“A society cannot be respected if it treats women as second-class citizens.”

-Business and commerce

She vowed to support women in Arab Spring states as well as in Syria.

“We are with you, will support you until your struggle reaches its goal.”

The Noble laureate also called on women to enter the world of business and commerce.

“They should take more initiative in the economy. Their success in the economic sector would be one of the keystones of economic development.”

She said women around the world face great difficulties. “So they should work hard. Not just wishes, but active work can make them successful.”

In her speech, Karman thanked Turkey, its people, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for supporting women’s advancement.

Karman won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011, at age 32, making her the youngest winner ever. The award recognized her years of struggle for human rights and women’s participation in peacebuilding in Yemen.