Turkish Minister of Family and Social Policy Fatma Şahin visits Finland

Ministry of Education and Culture

Press Release 63/2013
10.4.2013

The Minister responsible for family, social and gender equality policy in Turkey Fatma Şahin visits Finland on 11–13 April invited by the Finnish Minister responsible for gender equality affairs Paavo Arhinmäki.

In Finland Minister Şahin meets besides Minister Arhinmäki also Minister of Social Affairs and Health Paula Risikko, Minister of Health and Social Services Maria Guzenina-Richardson, Minister for International Development Heidi Hautala and Minister of Labour Lauri Ihalainen.

The topics to be discussed during the visit include e.g. reconciliation of work and family life and women’s entrepreneurship, violence against women and care services for older people. During the visit Minister Şahin will be informed about Finnish experiences and models of operation.

Minister Şahin is the only female minister in the Turkish Government. She leads the Ministry of Family and Social Policy, whose sphere of responsibilities is exceptionally large covering e.g. improvement of the rights and services for families, children, older people, people with disabilities and various special groups.

Besides developing the relevant legislation the Government of Turkey has increased its financing in particular for social programmes with focus on health and education.

In Turkey gender equality issues are up for discussion in society, and there are several active non-governmental organisations operating in this sector. The Ministry led by Minister Şahin is faced with considerable challenges when working to improve the status of women, to change attitudes in society and to reduce regional inequalities.

More information:
Ms Anne Moilanen, Special Adviser to Minister Arhinmäki (Ministry of Education and Culture), tel. 0295 330 379, [email protected]
Ms Ulla Heinola, Special Adviser to Minister Risikko (Ministry of Social Affairs and Health), tel. 02951 63107, [email protected]
Mr Ismo Kainulainen, Special Adviser to Minister Guzenina-Richardson (Ministry of Social Affairs and Health), tel. 0295 163 110, forename.surname
Ms Leena Liski, First Secretary (Ministry for Foreign Affairs), tel. 040 158 5520, [email protected]