'First 11 of egalitarian masculinity' for men supporting İstanbul Convention

Click to read the article in Turkish

As Turkey's possible withdrawal from the İstanbul Convention on preventing violence against women is discussed publicly, women defending the convention have prepared a list of rules for men who want to support them.

Naming the list, "the first 11 of egalitarian masculinity," the İstanbul Convention Campaign called on men to share it with their friends under the #mensupportingwomen hashtag.

Here are the 11 rules, which received a little support from men:

1. I don't remain silent against any kind of violence in the family, on the street, at work.
2. I'm not looking for an excuse for violence by making sentences beginning with "but".
3. Instead of telling women how to behave, I give priority to listening and hearing them.
4. I consider women's need for social distance and private space in public transportation, on the street and in all public spaces.
5. I avoid all discourses and generalizations that trivialize women.
6. I'm not laughing at sexist jokes, I'm not helping them become widespread.
7. I don't interrupt a woman's word, sometimes remain silent and help women speak more.
8. I don't ignore the feelings and thoughts of the others, I don't defend myself by asserting myself.
9. I use the power and privilege I have as a man to make women make their voices heard and participate equally.
10. I look for and pay regards to equal representation of women at meetings, panel discussions and executive boards.
11. I don't expect applause for "helping" childcare and housework, and I take responsibility for a balanced and equal division of labor. (EMK/VK)