The reflection of gender equality, one of the sustainable development goals, on political representation: A situational analysis from the perspective of Turkey

This research explains the fifth goal of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is gender equality. The study first outlines sustainable development within a theoretical and conceptual framework. Then, it addresses the fifth goal—gender equality—through a theoretical lens, explaining the connection between sustainable development and gender equality. This is because sustainable development is not only linked to environmental and economic dimensions. When considered alongside the social dimension, gender equality plays a significant role in sustainable development. Social gender equality is crucial both for making development more inclusive and for ensuring sustainability. In the findings section of the research, the presence of gender equality within the goals and sub-goals of sustainable development is examined, with a particular focus on gender equality in political representation, which constitutes the main subject of the study. The research analyzes the position of women in political representation in Turkiye within the scope of gender equality. The area of political representation is not only a space where individuals are represented, but also a field where gender-based inequalities become visible. Despite constitutional guarantees of equality, the numerical representation of women in politics in Turkiye remains limited. As part of the research, the number of women serving as members of parliament, ministers, and local government representatives in both Turkiye and globally is identified, and the likelihood of achieving gender equality in politics by the year 2030 is assessed. Additionally, the study evaluates concepts that hinder women's political participation, such as the patriarchal system, glass ceiling, stereotypes, and prejudices. Achieving gender equality in the political sphere by 2030 is significant for the concepts of democratization and social justice.