25/03/2024 | Writer: Selin Mavi
The participation of women and LGBTI+s in sports and their demands from local governments was discussed within scope of the panel.
Çankaya Municipality, organized a panel titled “The Role of Local Governments in Equality in Sports” on March 21 as part of the activities for International Women’s Day and Equality Awareness Month. The panel addressed issues concerning the participation of women and LGBTI+ individuals in sports, along with their expectations from local authorities.
Hacettepe University Faculty of Sports Sciences, Recreation Department Lecturer and the Chair of the Executive Board of Association of Sport and Physical Activity for Women
In the panel moderated by Prof. Dr. Canan Koca Arıtan, a faculty member at Hacettepe University Faculty of Sports Sciences, Recreation Department and Chair of the Board of Directors of Association of Sport and Physical Activity for Women (KASFAD), the speakers included Burçin Tarhan, co-founder of Pedallayan Kadınlar (Cycling Women); Selin Yıldız, co-founder of Sportif Lezbon; and Şaziye Dağlı, Director of Women and Family Services at Çankaya Municipality. During the discussion, Şaziye Dağlı highlighted the municipality’s initiatives in the realm of sports, provided insights into the activities and participant demographics, and explored potential avenues for further development in this area.
Following Şaziye Dağlı’s presentation, the panel proceeded with speeches from Burçin Tarhan of Pedallayan Kadınlar, which was established in Ankara in 2015 with the aim of promoting the participation of women and LGBTI+ people in sports and conduct studies from diverse perspective, and Selin Yıldız of Sportif Lezbon. Additionally, Canan Koca shared insights into her work at both Hacettepe University and KASFAD during the event.
Representing Pedallayan Kadınlar, Burçin Tarhan voiced several demands from local governments, highlighting the necessity for additional bicycle transportation routes and designated parking areas for cyclists. Tarhan also showcased successful examples from both Turkey and other countries to both the audience and municipal officials.
Selin Yıldız, a co-founder of Sportif Lezbon, recounted the journey of the organization established nine years ago, detailing its activities and the challenges encountered along the way. As advocates for LGBTI+ individuals in sports, they called for the provision of free and secure sports facilities, micro-grant assistance similar to international models, and venue support for workshops and other indoor activities from local governments.
The panel was completed with a question and answer session.
Tags: women, life
