Erdoğan: Women should be present in every sector of society

Speaking Wednesday at the sixth Organization of Islamic Cooperation's (OIC) women's conference in Istanbul, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said the Muslim world needed strong families and nations and that cannot be secured by isolating women.

At the conference with the theme, "Status of Women in the OIC Member States in Light of Current Challenges," President Erdoğan declared: "Strength cannot be acquired through isolating women. The mentality of ‘Let's keep women at home and away from everything' is not the route to strength." He stated that women should be present in every sector of society and described this as the main reason why Western countries were further ahead.

He also referred to the actions of Turkish women on the night of the July 15 coup attempt by the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ). "Among those who braved the tanks were the elderly, children and women. Our women were at the forefront." Countries that want women to help in reaching development objectives have to ensure that they have the rights and opportunities enjoyed by all, Erdoğan said. "It is unrealistic to expect women to contribute to countries' development without providing them with proper employment opportunities and ensuring they are part of the decision-making mechanism. The health of women and girls, education of girls, and the prevention of violence against women are issues dear to me, my wife and my country."

He went on to comment on recent events in the Middle East: "I as a Muslim from Turkey am ashamed of what is happening in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. It shames me to see Muslims trying to cross into Europe via the Aegean Sea," Erdoğan said before arguing that all problems within the Islamic world could be solved if Muslim countries unite. "I, in front of all of you, repeat that we are willing to do everything in our power on this issue."

Erdoğan also said the brotherhood of Muslims has unfortunately failed to fulfill its religious obligations. "The 1.7 billion-strong Muslim world is divided within. At a time when we, as a whole, failed to solve even the Palestinian issue, we are confronted with new problems."