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BODRUM MARKS 91st ANNIVERSARY OF WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE WITH INSPIRING GATHERING
04.12.2025
Bodrum marked the 91st anniversary of Turkish women gaining the right to vote and be elected with a programme titled “I Vote, I Stand for Election, I Exist” held at the Nurol Cultural Centre. Organised by Bodrum Municipality’s Directorate of Women and Family Services, Muğla Metropolitan Municipality and the Bodrum City Council, the event began with the opening of the “Women Elected in Bodrum” exhibition.
The programme featured speeches and a panel moderated by educator and author Nuran Yüksel, with participation from prominent women in local government and civil society. Discussions focused on women’s political representation, historical struggles and ongoing challenges.
Türkiye’s first female governor, Lale Aytaman, and documentary producer Özlem Özdemir joined via live link, sharing insights into Aytaman’s pioneering career and the documentary “Vali Hanım” ("Ms. Governer).
The event concluded with the film’s screening, celebrating women’s leadership and contributions to public life.
Live Participation by Türkiye’s First Female Governor
During the panel, Türkiye’s first female governor, Lale Aytaman, and journalist-author Özlem Özdemir, producer of the documentary “Vali Hanım”, joined the event via live phone link. Participants gained insights into the documentary’s production process and Aytaman’s pioneering career, as well as the stories of women who have served in Bodrum.
Documentary Screening Concludes the Programme
The event concluded with the screening of “Vali Hanım”, produced by Özlem Özdemir and directed by Gülay Ayyıldız Yiğitcan, with contributions from Muğla Metropolitan Municipality. The documentary celebrates the life and achievements of Lale Aytaman, Türkiye’s first female provincial governor.
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