Istanbul again top Turkish city for gender equality

Istanbul has the best record in regards to gender equality among 81 Turkish provinces, while the eastern province of Bitlis has been named the least equalitarian province, according to a recent survey.

A day before marking International Women's Day on March 8, the Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey (TEPAV), an Ankara-based think tank, announced the results of a study titled "Social Gender Quality Report Card for 81 Provinces" on March 7.

"We have a medium-technology industry. Decreasing gender inequality is among the steps that need to be taken to ensure this industry is sustainable and proceeding to a higher level. Gender equality should be a field about which local governors should be careful, in addition to central governors," said TEPAV Executive Director Güven Sak. 

The eastern province of Mu? and the central province of Yozgat preceded Bitlis as the least equalitarian provinces, while the northwestern province of Bursa and the central province of Eski?ehir succeeded Istanbul in the report.

TEPAV had released a similar report card for the first time in 2014. Via adopting the United Nations' gender inequality index, the new report card drafted by Asmin Kavas Urul applied four fundamental criteria on Turkey's provinces - health, empowerment, political representation and the labor market.

Istanbul was also on top of the list according to these criteria in 2014. The capital city of Ankara, which was 15th in 2014 advanced to 4th this year.

According to the report card, overall Turkey has made progress in eliminating gender inequality. Yet, Urul recalled that the U.N. gender inequality index was most recently updated in 2014 and Turkey was 71st in 2014. In the new list, Turkey is expected to descend to...