A two-day symposium on women's health issues brought opinion leaders, influencers, activists and global policymakers together in southern Turkey's Antalya province on Friday to create sustainable solutions and tackle taboos surrounding women's health across the world.The global initiative titled "Let's Talk" — in partnership with the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA) — convened in Mediterranean resort district of Kemer.
Hosted by philanthropist, campaigner and Russian supermodel Natalia Vodianova, the event featured UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem, former Canadian model and actress Dayle Haddon, Polish model Anja Rubik, British journalist Anne McElvoy, British fashion model Adwoa Aboah and Turkish model Azra Akın as speakers.
Turkey's first lady Emine Erdoğan was an honored guest at the event, while Family, Labor and Social Services Minister Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Antalya Governor Münir Karaloğlu, Antalya Metropolitan Mayor Menderes Türel and Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu's wife Hülya Çavuşoğlu were some prominent Turkish officials and figures that also attended to the event.
Erdoğan gave a speech Friday condemning violence against women, describing it as a "betrayal to humanity."
"In one word, violence against women which is widespread around the world is a betrayal to humanity," Erdoğan told the audience.
"Unfortunately, one out of every three women is exposed to physical or sexual violence," the first lady added.
In her speech, Vodianova said the effects of popular misconceptions regarding women's health currently permeate modern society.
She also said considering that political and social decisions are made by men in many countries, it could be understood how women's health issues are being neglected.
In an interview with the Anadolu Agency, Vodianova said that Turkey's empathy in humanitarian help for Syrian refugees is exemplary for the whole world.
She added that empathy is a strong feeling and it is a helping element for not only in humanitarian help, but also for women to overcome prejudices and taboos.
Vodianova stressed that the access of girls to education and adolescents receiving education on sexual health are among the most important issues.
She also said that they were honored to host first lady Erdoğan in their event and her support was very important.
"I was very happy to meet her. I'm moved by her humanitarian aid work," Vodianova said.
UNFPA General Director Dr. Natalia Kanem said that Erdoğan's support was important in preventing child marriages, added that they hail the extraordinary support by the Turkish government on humanitarian aid and they are pleased to work with the government on Syrian refugees.
In her speech, Minister Selçuk reminded the active social services and humanitarian aid policy pursued by Turkey, saying that the country is among the top in the world with 241 billion Turkish liras worth budget for social services and aid in the last 16 years. She noted that some $32 billion was additionally spent for Syrian refugees.
Selçuk stressed that the prenatal care rate in Turkey increased from 70 percent in 2002 to 99.7 percent in 2017.
The event is supported by partners, including Turkey's national flag carrier Turkish Airlines (THY) and the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB).