Women in non-Western modernization processes are assigned a specific role, symbolizing modernization while preserving national identity. The public sphere undergoes material modernization, while the private sphere, considered a moral domain, remains largely unchanged. Women's visibility in the public sphere is emphasized but often constrained by patriarchal national identity. Postcolonial feminists argue that women's oppression in postcolonial societies is shaped by both patriarchy and colonial legacies, making their struggle to enter the public sphere different from Western experiences. In Turkey, despite lacking a colonial past, a similar dynamic exists, as non-Western modernization processes frame the struggle over women’s public roles within national identity debates.
In Turkey, women's access to the public sphere faces distinct challenges, mirrored in the digital public sphere. Digital activism around issues like violence against women is prominent. A key example is the opposition to Turkey’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention. Feminist groups used hashtags like #İstanbulSözleşmesiYaşatır (The Istanbul Convention Saves Lives) to advocate for the convention, while conservative circles launched counter-campaigns with #İstanbulSözleşmesiİhanettir (The Istanbul Convention is Betrayal). Proponents argue the convention protects women's rights, while opponents claim it undermines the traditional family structure.
This research will analyze social media data, examining hashtag use and engagement on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok, followed by interviews with active participants. It seeks to understand motivations behind digital activism on women’s rights in Turkey, how participants perceive their role in shaping debates, and how digital platforms facilitate or hinder feminist activism and its opposition. By exploring these dynamics, the research aims to uncover the intersections of gender, identity, and resistance in Turkey's digital public sphere.
