Chapter 10: Gender Equality in Higher Education in Turkey

Gender and women’s issues are at the top of the social development agenda in Turkey today. In order to deal with these problems in a more realistic and effective manner, a better understanding of these problems and their causes is needed. This can be achieved through valid scientific research. The aim of this research is to examine the higher education system in Turkey from a gender perspective. Our research aims to first identify the current situation; to address the historical reasons for this situation; and to bring forward some suggestions for the future in order to deal with the identified problems in a more realistic and effective manner. The results of the study show that Turkey’s strong patriarchal social structure and political debates have been affecting women’s higher education for many years. Although women’s status as students and academics in universities may seem positive in terms of their rates, a closer look reveals that gender-based inequalities are experienced in different forms and dimensions. In the first phase of the research, the current situation regarding gender in Turkey is discussed, followed by background information on women’s higher education. Then, the historical background and current problems related to women’s positions as students and academics at universities are mentioned. Then, the actions taken to transform gender inequality in higher education institutions are analyzed. After analyzing the actions taken to transform gender inequality in higher education institutions, some recommendations are presented.