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Check FAQAbout Melis
Melis Alphan is a journalist based in İstanbul, Turkey. Born in 1978 in Izmir, Turkey. She worked as a reporter, an editor and a columnist in daily newspapers. She writes on social issues; known with her stories on human rights, women’s and children’s rights and environmental issues.
Portfolio
Women Identify Unsafe Spots in the City
Women and girls worldwide face various forms of violence in public spaces, including verbal, sexual, physical, economic, and psychological abuse. A 2010 study by KESK revealed significant instances of such violence in Turkey. The UN Women's 16-day activism campaign, starting on November 25, aims to create safer cities by highlighting unsafe areas through an interactive map. The campaign encourages people to mark unsafe spots, which will be shared with local authorities to improve safety for women and girls.
The Immorality of Doing Nothing but Talking
The article criticizes the inaction of global leaders and developed countries in addressing the climate crisis, highlighting the urgent need for real action rather than empty talks. It emphasizes the disproportionate impact of climate change on poorer and island nations, and praises young activists like Greta Thunberg for taking a stand. The text calls for genuine leadership and immediate measures to combat the environmental crisis, condemning the current state of indecision and lack of substantial efforts.
Civil servant abusing his duty, his guarantor manager, 'mediator' ministry employee, and a woman in fear
A woman named Sevgi, who is preparing for the KPSS exam, faces harassment from her ex-boyfriend Engin, a civil servant. Despite changing her contact details, Engin accesses her personal information through his position at the Tapu Kadastro Müdürlüğü. When Sevgi reports this to the ministry, the response is dismissive, with officials downplaying the severity of the situation and suggesting informal mediation. Sevgi eventually files a criminal complaint, highlighting the legal implications of abuse of power and privacy violations. The article criticizes the ministry's inadequate handling of the complaint and the complicity of other employees.
We Cannot Transform Society Without Changing Men
In Turkey, traditional patriarchal family structures dominate, with men often seen as the authority and women relegated to secondary roles. This societal model contributes to widespread gender inequality and domestic violence. Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Özcan Köknel emphasizes the need for societal transformation through education, particularly in gender and sexual education, which the government has been reluctant to implement. Köknel highlights the detrimental effects of patriarchal norms and the lack of support for women facing violence. He argues that without changing men's attitudes, societal transformation is impossible. The article also criticizes religious sects for perpetuating ignorance and abuse.
Why Did the Ministry of Family and Labor Merge?
The merger of the Ministry of Family and Social Policies with the Ministry of Labor has raised concerns among experts and women's rights organizations. The new Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Services is seen as potentially creating bureaucratic challenges and undermining the focus on women's issues. Experts argue that the merger could make it harder to address women's problems and may lead to increased job insecurity for women. The article also highlights the historical context of women's ministries in Turkey and the need for a dedicated Women's Ministry.
Sexual abuse of six children reduced to 'molestation'
In 2016, six girls aged 8 to 11 were allegedly sexually abused by a man named Cemal, who was later arrested. Despite initial charges of 'qualified sexual abuse' and 'deprivation of liberty,' the court eventually reduced the charges to 'molestation,' significantly lowering the potential sentence. The decision was upheld by the appellate court but later overturned by the Supreme Court, which ruled the actions as molestation due to their brief and intermittent nature. This led to a reduced sentence, highlighting criticisms of the legal system's leniency towards perpetrators and the redefinition of sexual abuse laws in 2014.
We Are a Disrespectful Society
The article criticizes the widespread issue of littering in Turkey, attributing it to a lack of respect within society. It highlights the environmental impact of careless waste disposal and the broader implications of disrespectful behavior in traffic and public spaces. The author argues that the root cause is a societal disregard for others and the environment, and suggests that without addressing these underlying values, efforts to manage waste will be ineffective. The piece calls for a fundamental change in societal attitudes towards respect and responsibility.
Municipalities that do not practice participatory budgeting should not claim 'There is democracy in this city!'
The article criticizes the lack of genuine democracy in Turkey, highlighting that true democracy is not just about voting but also about participatory governance. It emphasizes the importance of participatory budgeting, where citizens have a say in municipal budgets and priorities. The text references the successful implementation of participatory budgeting in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and its spread to other parts of the world, including some initial but limited efforts in Turkey. The author, Gönen Orhan, argues that without participatory budgeting, municipalities cannot claim to be democratic, as current practices often exclude citizen input.
A Lesson from History
Melis Alphan recounts the story of William M. Tweed, a notorious figure in New York's history known for his corruption and control over the city's political and financial systems. Tweed's rise to power through Tammany Hall and his eventual downfall, spurred by investigative journalism from the New York Times and critical cartoons by Thomas Nast, serve as a lesson on the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of media in holding the powerful accountable. The narrative underscores that while history may not repeat itself, the same mistakes often do, emphasizing the role of both perpetrators and those who turn a blind eye.
New Coal Plants on the Way as Climate Crisis Grows
Over 100 million people currently require humanitarian aid due to climate-related disasters, a number expected to double by 2050. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reports that the economic cost of climate inaction could reach $20 billion annually by 2030. The article highlights the devastating impacts of recent hurricanes and heatwaves across the globe, including in the Bahamas, the United States, and Peru. Despite some countries like Germany taking steps to reduce carbon emissions, many coal companies continue to expand operations, with 60 countries planning new coal plants. The article underscores the urgent need for more effective government action to combat the climate crisis.
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