The Turkish women were given the right to vote and be elected in 5 December 1934 for the first time in Turkey and before many of the women in Western countries. The founder of our republic, the great leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk addressed women in 5 December 1934, and urged women use this right competently and with discretion.

Since that day in 1934, 5 December is celebrated as Women's Rights Day in our country. Women have the equal rights as men when it comes to science, business, health, education and all other parts of life socially, and culturally, and that is how it should be. Women have had to fight for their rights in almost all countries and succeeded in most. The Turkish women, too, have proved themselves everywhere and have used their lawful rights with acumen.

Our women deserve to live in a society where they are encouraged in every circle of life including socially, culturally, economically and judicially, and are able to use their rights fully; far from uncivilized conduct such as any kind of harassment, violence and sexual discrimination. None of the rights of women should be taken away with force, threats, or coercion; and we should never forget that women are the cornerstones of a civilized society.

We, as the Aktaş Holding family, encourage women to take part in the economy, particularly in our field, as much as men, and support women's rights completely. We condemn violence against women and work for a world where women are treated with the respect and the treatment they truly deserve in society.

We sincerely wish our country's and the whole world's women a wonderful 5 December Women's Rights Day.