The panel took place at the İsmail Çetişli Conference Hall of the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences. Moderated by PAU Sociology Department faculty member Prof. Dr. Türkan Erdoğan, the event addressed the general situation of families in Turkey, the challenges they face, and efforts to find solutions.

The first speaker of the panel was Safiye Demirci from the Denizli Branch of the Turkish Women’s Cultural Association (TÜRKKAD). Demirci summarized the purpose of TÜRKKAD in light of the views of its founder Sâmiha Ayverdi, emphasizing the association’s role in informing women about extreme and destructive trends and preserving national values so that women can protect their homes, homeland, and identity. Highlighting the prominent position of women in Turkish history and culture, Demirci reinforced the idea that women are the cornerstone of the family and the nation, citing the words of significant figures such as Mevlâna and Ziya Gökalp. She noted that Sâmiha Ayverdi viewed the family as the smallest yet strongest and most resilient cell of society. Concluding her talk, Demirci stressed that women bear great responsibility in building an environment of love and trust within the family and in developing disciplined, democratic mechanisms that allow family members to grow into self-confident individuals.

The second speaker, Divorce Lawyer Av. İsmihan Yıkar Korkmaz from the Denizli Branch of the Association for the Protection of Women’s Rights, focused on the legal aspects of the family. Yıkar Korkmaz emphasized the importance of gender equality and equal gender roles within the family. Drawing on examples from divorce cases she has been involved in, she shared concrete examples of existing family-related issues and gender equality challenges in Denizli with the participants.

After the presentations, Moderator Prof. Dr. Türkan Erdoğan spoke again, emphasizing the importance of the family and, by extension, the Family Year Activities. She noted that family matters cannot be addressed solely from a female or male perspective, stressing that both genders are equally necessary and indispensable. Prof. Dr. Erdoğan stated, “Our main objective is to establish equal and fair role-sharing and communication between the two genders within the family,” highlighting that the family’s peace and resilience depend on this balance.

At the end of the event, PAU Faculty of Human and Social Sciences Dean Prof. Dr. Yasemin Beyazıt thanked Moderator Prof. Dr. Türkan Erdoğan and the speakers for their contributions and presented certificates of appreciation to speakers Safiye Demirci and Av. İsmihan Yıkar Korkmaz.