Gender Equality MARCH 2020 Gender Equality | Page 10

Education Whenever there is a reference to women’s human rights what comes to mind is the equal
and non-discriminative right to education, a fundamental human right, which lays the ground for
participation in decision-making processes, equality before the law and equal and adequate working
conditions. In accordance with the 42. article of the Constitution which reads as “primary education
is compulsory for all citizens of both sexes and is free of charge in state schools”, Turkey, with no
discrimination and on the basis of the principle of equal opportunities, provides a legal guarantee
for the enjoyment of the right to education for each and every child. Rendering the compulsory
primary education free of charge since the establishment of the Republic as well as taking measures
for reducing drop-outs is within the 7 scope of this constitutional principle.
The right to education of girls is guaranteed just as all other rights in the Constitution and the
relevant provisions of other legislations. In parallel to constitutional regulations, the Basic Law of
National Education is set on the principle of “ universality and equality”. This law stipulates that
basic education is compulsory for all citizens, boys or girls, and free of charge in public schools. In
accordance, each and every Turkish child will benefit from basic education services without any
discrimination between girls and boys. Enrolment of girls is among the priority problems of the State
as expressed in the 9th Development Plan being implemented and covering the period 2007-2013.
Along with the statement which reads as “ necessary measures will be taken with a particular focus
on rural areas and girls in order to reduce drop-outs in primary education, and transfer to secondary
education will be increased”, the Plan includes objectives to develop projects aiming at;
empowering women’s social status, expanding their activity areas, increasing their education levels
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