Assessment of gender equality attitudes between 16-19 years of adolescent women

Aim: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the gender equality attitudes of married and / or pregnant women between the ages of 16-19 who applied to İzmir Tepecik Education and Research Hospital. Methods: This thesis is a descriptive study based on a qualitative model. Translated into text and uploaded to Maxqda Program, the data were gathered by the researcher as a result of face-to-face, in-depth interviews with the participants. These data were categorized and interpreted in a way that is in accordance with the theoretical structure of the thesis and to answer the research question, coded on the basis of similarity and difference. Results: When the participants were evaluated in terms of gender equality determinants, it was understood that those who are not married or pregnant are in a better position in terms of their educational status, economic level, and family structures compared to those who are married or pregnant. A similar situation was observed in delinquency and substance addiction. When the gender equality indicators of the participants were examined, it was understood that non-married or non-pregnant women have a more egalitarian gender attitude than those who are married or pregnant. It shows that the effect of gender equality determinants on gender equality indicators. Conclution: The adolescent women who married in the early period cannot develop an egalitarian attitude because of social expectations and because of the thought structure formed by "the role of married women" on their minds. Increasing the age of education and prevention of early marriage surely will change the approach of adolescent women towards gender equality in a positive way. Therefore, measures that will be taken in order to prevent early marriage are critical.