We all display selfish pragmatism on gender equality in Turkey

"My husband does not want me to work," the wife of a religiously conservative man complained to her psychologist. "He insisted I see a women psychologist," she added. Then as the psychologist raised her eyebrow she realized her husband's inner contradiction: A pious man who disapproves of women working but insists on his wife seeing only a woman professional! 

The pious conservative segments of society, especially those in urban areas, often live with such contradictions but they are not always aware of it. I came across such a case at a credit-signing ceremony last week between the French Development Agency (AFD) and the Industrial Development Bank of Turkey (TSKB).

The AFD, which is active in 90 countries, has been active in Turkey since 2005. To this day it has provided 2.2 billion euros in financing to 44 projects. It says its strategy in Turkey is to strengthen the French-Turkish partnership on climate and environmental issues. 

However, the AFD has taken a strategic decision on being active in the empowerment of women and providing equality between men and women. At least half of the projects financed by the AFD have to focus on women's issues or gender equality.

When you look at the AFD's performance in Turkey, renewable energy and energy efficiency, sustainable urban development and forestry and climate have been the main areas of focus.

It is therefore a very encouraging to see that the AFD has agreed to provide the TSKB with financing of 100 million euros to support "women-friendly" companies' investment projects in line with sustainable criteria. While women's empowerment was an indirect component of previous projects, this is the first time the AFD has provided direct financing on women's empowerment.