Women's Civil Society Organisations in Turkey

This book focuses on the de-Europeanization processes that Turkey is undergoing through an examination of women's civil society organizations. Considering the lively women's movement in the country and its diversity, it questions whether a transformation has occurred in the way that women's civil society organizations perceive the European Union and make use of the financial and strategic support offered by the EU as part of the latter's recognition of the importance of civil society organizations in candidate and new member states. With attention to the ways in which the contributions of the EU enabled such organizations to intensify and widen their activities, as well as their lobbying and networking prospects, the authors examine the effects on these of Turkey's fluctuating relations with the EU, and the parallel de-Europeanization process that has marked the last decade. An exploration of the process of de-Europeanization as experienced by women's civil society organizations, with a particular focus on the axis of their independence, this volume considers their responses: though the very survival of some is uncertain, many have responded by adopting new strategies and resources for lobbying, networking and collaboration. A study of political change and the effects of de-Europeanization in a country with changing attitudes towards the EU, this volume will appeal to scholars of political sociology, political science and European studies with interests in civil society organizations and gender.