Speed Dialogue Meetings foster intergenerational dialogue between women activists on key Beijing+30 topics

UN Women Türkiye kicked off the Beijing+30 celebrations with its first Speed Dialogue Meeting, uniting pioneers of the women’s movement in Türkiye with young activists. This dynamic event, held on the eve of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, featured an interactive format: young participants rotated between tables, engaging in focused discussions with senior activists. The meeting sparked vital discussions on combatting gender-based violence and highlighted the progress made and the work still ahead as we approach the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration.

As part of the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025, UN Women Türkiye initiated its first Beijing+30: Speed Dialogue Meeting with the participation of women activists from different generations. The meeting was held on November 22, on the eve of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the launch of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign.

The first Speed Dialogue Meeting brought together pioneers of the women’s movement in Türkiye and young women activists, fostering a platform to have a ‘speed dialogue’ discussion on combatting violence against women as part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign. Activists shared their experiences, achievements, and challenges in addressing gender-based violence while discussing activism, evolving tools for advocacy, and strategies to tackle emerging forms of violence. The meeting featured an interactive format with participants rotating between tables, engaging in discussions with each other.  

This initiative is part of the journey to mark 30 years since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action - the most visionary agenda for the empowerment of women and girls. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was adopted by 189 governments and supported by thousands of activists at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995 in Beijing, China. Despite significant progress over the past three decades, achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls require continued collective action and innovative approaches.

Beijing+30: Speed Dialogue Meetings aim to foster intergenerational connections among women activists, provide a space for mutual learning, and enhance collective efforts towards achieving gender equality.

“It was a joy to discuss the changing needs and diversified methods in an era of multiple crises. This allowed us to learn from each other and to amplify our collective voice more effectively, renewing our hope. Together, through the right policies, participatory processes, and solidarity, we can achieve equality,” said Betül Demirses, General Coordinator of ICHILD.

“Participating in this event and being among women activists from different generations empowered me and gave me hope for the future. It reminded me that I am not alone in this fight against gender-based violence, and our intergenerational solidarity continues to grow. This experience renewed my optimism for achieving gender equality in the future,” reflected İrem Tunca, a young activist from the Foundation for Women’s Solidarity.

“We reflected on where Türkiye’s women’s movement has come from, the efforts expended, and the sacrifices made along the way. When the fresh ideas and enthusiasm of today’s activists merged with this history, we felt an incredible synergy emerge,” said Ayşe Yetmen, a pioneer activist. 

“We shared our personal activism stories highlighting our unique paths in the fight for equality. These stories show how the struggle unites and connects us. This meeting, which made me feel the power of our knowledge, also renewed my energy and faith. It will be very useful if such meetings continue in different regions and provinces. Because this is solidarity and solidarity keeps us alive, grow, and deepen,” said Nazik Işık, a pioneer activist.

“The Speed Dialogue Meeting was more than just a dialogue for me. Talking with experienced activists, I not only learned many things but also realized this struggle didn’t start recently because the patriarchal dominance over women wasn’t established yesterday. Being part of that space became even more meaningful when I understood this,” said Sena Özden Alan, a university student and activist.

Speed Dialogue Meeting enabled participants to reflect on the rich history of the women’s movement in combatting violence in Türkiye and explore pathways for future progress. Through dialogue sessions and group discussions, activists from different generations exchanged ideas and built solidarity to reimagine gender equality efforts in Türkiye.

“By bringing together activists from different generations, we hope to inspire a renewed commitment to gender equality and to carry the legacy of the women’s movement forward. This is also significant as we approach the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, offering an opportunity to address both the progress made and the gaps that still remain,” said Ebru Ağduk, Programme Manager at UN Women Türkiye. 

The Speed Dialogue Meeting was organized within the framework of the “Reimagining Gender Equality Across Generations and Communities in Türkiye” project, implemented by UN Women Türkiye with financial support from the Government of Norway.