Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş Calls for Strengthened Family Structure and Enhanced Social Services
Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş emphasized the Ministry’s key expectations from its Scientific Committee, focusing on strengthening the family structure, increasing women’s welfare, and preventing violence against women. Göktaş stated, “We also request special support in improving our services for children, the disabled, and the elderly.”
Speaking at the “Family and Social Services Ministry Scientific Committee Commissions Meeting” at Ankara University of Music and Fine Arts, Göktaş highlighted that the Ministry builds its policies on a scientific foundation.
She noted that the steps taken to protect and strengthen Turkey’s family structure are rooted in science and that activities prioritizing children’s well-being are carried out using scientific methods.
Göktaş pointed out that scientific research is the main source for advancing services for the disabled and the elderly, stating, “We see scientific studies as one of our most important guides in implementing social policies because science provides the opportunity to assess the needs of society accurately. Through these efforts, we not only increase the effectiveness of our services but also lay a solid foundation for future policies.”
She recalled the establishment of the Scientific Committee in November 2023 to carry out the work more systematically and institutionally.
Göktaş expressed that the expertise of academics would play a crucial role in producing robust and innovative solutions, furthering the vision of “Turkey’s Century” set by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
“To carry out activities in four main service areas, we have formed commissions,” Göktaş said. She elaborated that the Scientific Committee has supported various initiatives, from strategy documents to the Children’s Summit and collaboration with TÜBİTAK on research projects.
Göktaş explained that the committee created commissions focusing on family and society, children, women’s empowerment, and services for the disabled and elderly, noting that these commissions would deliver significant work in their areas of expertise.
She added that the commissions would address various topics, including combating digital violence against women, assessing risks to children and proposing measures, evaluating factors and suggestions about Turkey’s declining fertility rate, and investigating the risks posed by the digital age to the family institution. They would also work on social service applications for disabled individuals and propose new policies and models.
“Our primary expectation from the Scientific Committee is to develop our existing projects and activities in these areas and create new projects considering the distinct needs and characteristics of our 81 provinces. We also seek new proposals on strengthening the family structure, improving women’s welfare, and preventing violence against women,” Göktaş emphasized. “Additionally, we request your special support in enhancing our services for children, the disabled, and the elderly.”
Göktaş concluded by underlining the importance of preparing an up-to-date and reliable report as a valuable resource.
Minister Göktaş noted that the commissions include academics from various fields such as social services, psychology, communication, child development, education, law, and public administration, along with relevant general directorates.
The meetings, attended by renowned scholars specializing in their fields, will span two days. Göktaş stated that the Ministry’s social policies would be scientifically evaluated, and practical steps would be taken after examining the societal impact of these activities.
Ankara University of Music and Fine Arts Rector Prof. Dr. Erhan Özden remarked that the university conducts various projects for children, young people, the elderly, the disabled, and women, leveraging art’s healing power under the guidance of the Ministry of Family and Social Services.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Ministers of Family and Social Services Zafer Tarıkdaroğlu, Sevim Sayım Madak, Leman Yenigün, and numerous academics.
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