12.05.2026 15:29
AK Party Erzurum Deputy and Vice President of the World Women Parliamentarians Association, Lawyer Fatma Öncü, who was a guest of Melis Yaşar on Haberler.com within the scope of the Disability Week from May 10-16, recounted the difficulties she experienced after an accident she had as a child and the changing status of individuals with disabilities in society.
As part of the 10-16 May Disability Week, a broadcast on Haberler.com featured AK Party Erzurum Deputy and Vice President of the World Union of Women Parliamentarians, Lawyer Fatma Öncü, who answered questions from Melis Yaşar. Öncü, who both shared her own life struggle and made assessments regarding the place of individuals with disabilities in Turkey, made striking statements.
“I FELL INTO A TANDIR AT 9 MONTHS OLD”
Describing the accident that changed her life, Öncü said, “I fell into a tandir at 9 months old, and after that accident, all 10 of my fingers were amputated.” She stated that this incident, which occurred when she was still a baby, was one of the biggest turning points in her life.
“I WAS NOT ACCEPTED TO SCHOOL”
Referring to the difficulties she faced during childhood, Öncü said, “When I wanted to start school, they did not accept me at the neighborhood school.” She noted that individuals with disabilities encountered many more obstacles in education in the past.
Öncü also described society's past approach to individuals with disabilities, saying, “In my time, individuals with disabilities did not go out in society; you could not see a single disabled person on the street.” She emphasized that today, awareness has increased and significant steps have been taken.
“73,000 DISABLED INDIVIDUALS WORK IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR”
Speaking about efforts to employ individuals with disabilities, Öncü said, “73,000 of our disabled friends work in the public sector.” She also highlighted the importance of the system, stating, “EKPSS is an exam that facilitates the appointment of our disabled siblings to public service.”
“MY MOTHER WAS THE ENGINEER OF MY LIFE”
Describing her mother's role in her life, Öncü said, “My mother was the engineer of my life.” She noted the great effort her mother put into teaching her how to hold a pen, stating, “My mother struggled for 6 months over how I would hold a pen; she learned to read and write with me.”
“MY TURNING POINT WAS MEETING PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN”
Sharing one of the turning points in her life, Öncü said, “My turning point was meeting President Erdoğan.” She added that following this process, she was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Family and Social Services.