15.03.2026 11:10
Malatya Governor Seddar Yavuz, in his speech at the 'Workshop on Combating Violence Against Women' in Malatya, said, "Why don't we dress our children according to gender roles, why don't we choose colors accordingly? I am serious; sometimes I cannot determine whether a 5-6 year old child is a girl or a boy." These controversial remarks were supported by some who said, "The governor is right," while others criticized them.
The "Workshop on Combating Violence Against Women" was organized by the Malatya Governorship and the Malatya Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services under the Ministry of Family and Social Services. Speaking at the workshop, Malatya Governor Seddar Yavuz made noteworthy statements regarding discussions on violence against women, emphasizing the discourse of a "genderless society."
"SOCIETY IS FACING A NEW DANGER"
Arguing that society is facing a new danger, Yavuz stated that discussions about a "genderless society" have come to the fore recently. He expressed that there is a period where boys are dressed like girls and girls are dressed like boys, and he said that it should also be evaluated whether this is connected to violence.
"I CANNOT DETERMINE IF A CHILD IS A BOY OR A GIRL"
According to a news report in Sözcü; Yavuz, who claimed that children are not raised according to gender roles, said, "Why don't we dress our children according to gender roles, why don't we choose colors accordingly? I am very serious; sometimes I cannot determine whether a 5-6 year old child is a girl or a boy. However, someone like me should be able to understand this when looking."
"DO NOT POLITICIZE FEMICIDES"
In his speech, Yavuz also touched upon discussions about femicides, arguing that this issue should not be politicized. He stated that making femicides or murders in general a subject of political debate would complicate finding solutions, saying, "Do not politicize femicides or murders in general. I am telling you openly; if you politicize it, you cannot find a solution."
CRITICISM OF "EDUCATED SECTIONS"
Making evaluations about social transformation and family relationships, Yavuz claimed that those who were previously labeled as "peasants" or "uneducated" did not mistreat their spouses. He argued that a different picture has emerged today, stating that some educated groups exhibit problematic behaviors in family economic relationships. Yavuz criticized, "Have we created educated groups that put their spouse's credit card or salary card in their pocket and give their spouse pocket money? We are enlightened."