The role of protection mechanisms in turkish legislation and international legislation in ensuring gender equality

This thesis examines the role of protection mechanisms in ensuring gender equality within the Turkish legal system and internationally. Gender equality is a fundamental human right that guarantees equal access to rights and freedoms regardless of individuals' gender or social roles. Despite this, women and disadvantaged groups still face various forms of discrimination. The study first defines key concepts, including the principle of equality, prohibition of discrimination, gender, and affirmative action, considering their historical, sociological, and legal context. It then analyzes gender equality regulations in Turkey under the Constitution and relevant laws, assessing practical protection mechanisms through decisions of the Constitutional Court and the Turkish Human Rights and Equality Institution. Additionally, the Parliamentary Committee on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men is examined as an institutional actor contributing to gender equality policies. The third part of the thesis explores international instruments and monitoring bodies. Key references include the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Istanbul Convention, and the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights and the CEDAW Committee. The findings highlight the need for effective and accessible mechanisms to achieve gender equality. The study concludes that equality requires not only legal recognition but also structural and institutional improvements for real implementation. Keywords: Gender, equality principle, prohibition of discrimination, womenrights, protection mechanisms.