Women are getting ready to take to the streets to celebrate 8 March. Although the Minister of Interior Süleyman Soylu 'banned' this year celebration in Istiklal Caddesi in Istanbul, where the traditional women march is held every year, women are determined to go through with the march.

ANF asked former Amed co-mayor Gültan Kışanak about the current political process, the situation in prison, the co-presidency system, the meaning of 8 March.

Since 2016, Kışanak has been kept in Kocaeli F-Type Prison. “The duty of reversing this anti-democratic process should not be left to women alone. - she said - The women movement should also play a role that encourages and empowers democracy forces to act together.”

Murders of women have increased, there are controversy over subsistence. How do you assess the process Turkey is going through right now from a woman’s point of view?

In terms of all democratic rights and freedoms in general Turkey is going through a troubled period. However, the results of this authoritarian style of administration are far more devastating for women, because of the exaltation of authority and power; the elimination of the smallest opposition using force; declaring what says the opposite a traitor. This mentality creates an atmosphere that exalts male domination and legitimizes male violence against women who try to have control on their lives. 

The closure of women's institutions, the trial of co-chairs, the banning of women's activities, the attacks on women who go out onto the streets and want to make a press statement, all these are the result of the general autoritharian regime. We can count dozens of political interventions carried out by the power. 

Talking about a double standard, the opposition has been in prison for years while men who rape, injure or threaten women are walking around the streets.

A more dangerous situation is the abandonment of the Istanbul Convention, which address and take responsibility for child marriage, child support and preventing domestic violence. 

So how do you evaluate the women movement's attitude towards these attacks? Are the reactions enough? How to achieve stronger common position? What are the obstacles? How can they be overcome?

The women movement stance against this long-standing wave of oppression and intimidation has not been withdrawn from the street. This stance has been a source of strength and morale for us. I think the women resistance of this period will take its place in the history of women struggle.

The task of reversing this anti-democratic process should not fall on women alone. The women movement should also play a role that encourages and paves the way for democracy forces to act together. Women, youth, laborers, the poor, different identities and beliefs, all oppressed groups, if they can take a common stance in the struggle for rights, law, freedom and peace, this bad trend can be stopped.

Why is co-presidency important for women? Is it defended enough?

Co-presidency is the most important achievement of the struggle for gender equality. First of all, it is a method that breaks the taught passivity in women, who makes them see themselves as subjects and encourage them to pursue their dreams, develops the 'woman-can-do-it' feeling and empowers women. Another dimension is solving the problem of gender inequality. It is not about the opposition of different sexes, but about learning how to establish a democratic and equal relationship together.

The most important reason for gender inequality is that men do not see women on an equal basis. In order to break the male-dominated mentality that defines women emotionally, sees them incomplete and inadequate, a level in which they have equal duties and responsibilities is needed. The co-chair offers this. The second dimension of the co-presidency is to democratize politics. An understanding of politics and government that excludes women who make up half the society from politics and decision mechanisms cannot be democratic. For thousands of years, men have been deciding instead of women. In order for women to be an autonomous entity, they must have the opportunity to decide about themselves and their future. The co-presidency gives women this power, as well as paving the way for a democratic essence of politics and management.

The third dimension of co-presidency is also about the society. Again, for thousands of years, the male-dominated mentality has captured society and destroyed the democratic character of the natural society. It has turned into a social reflex that women individuals should live with men. In fact, the social rules that must protect the law of equality are shaped according to this pre-acceptance (male domination). Correcting this mistake is an important step in meeting the democratic essence of the society. The fourth dimension of co-presidency is that management shows that it is not a matter of establishing / dominating power, but that management is a matter of 'coordination’.

So how do you spend your days in prison?

Prisons are spaces that aim to dehumanize. In terms of individuals who are aware of this, on the contrary, it turns into a space in which move towards creativity, dreaming unlimitedly, self-functioning, strengthening your will, opening new windows to the world of emotion and thought. Therefore, time is not enough for people. Living without routine and surrendered patterns give people an incredible joy when they succeed. Even being able to make your friends hear you by shouting gives people the pleasure of breaking the isolation. Or cooking in a samovar, knitting using pens ... Especially not to have any worry when reading books, reading each line is an amazing pleasure. 

The preparations for special occasions such as 8 March, mean that everyone's effort to participate is so important that it gives music ability even to those who have never attempted to sing in their life. In short, the male-dominated authoritarian mentality does not do anything wise by putting us in prison.

What is your message to women on 8 March?

All women celebrate the International Working Women Day on 8 March. I wish the will and posture of women will be reflected on the streets and squares to lead a new process. We women can respond to all attacks on our body, identity, will, labor, and existence only by growing solidarity and organisation among women. 

The notion of “8 March, not just one day" is a powerful slogan that can stop both murders of women and war as well as the authoritarian reactionary rule. Now is the time to fill the squares and step up the fight against the power and the energy we take from here to be the main answer. Now it is time to bridge the road to peace by bringing the torch of freedom and equality, burn it on 8 March and Newroz. We, as women who cannot be taken prisoner, will be in the fields with you with our zilgit, songs and halay.