President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s recent declaration of 2025 as the “Year of the Family” has sparked a nationwide conversation about the significance of family as the cornerstone of a strong and stable society.

His statement, “A strong society is possible with strong families,” underscores the urgency of addressing the challenges faced by the family institution in Türkiye. This initiative, reinforced by remarks from Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, promises a comprehensive approach to revitalizing family structures and emphasizing their pivotal role in societal well-being.

A Multi-Dimensional Crisis in the Family Institution

Bildane Kurtaran, President of the Hijab Mobilisation and Virtuous Women’s Association (TESSEP), expressed optimism alongside caution regarding the initiative. Speaking to Ilke News Agency (ILKHA), she highlighted the growing fractures within family structures, stating: “The family is the cornerstone of society, and when this stone is dislodged, the balances of society are also dislodged.”

Kurtaran aligned with President Erdoğan’s warnings about the adverse impacts of global ideologies and desexualization policies on traditional family values. She also called for a critical review of existing laws and policies, particularly Law No. 6284, known as the "Law on the Protection of the Family and the Prevention of Violence against Women."

Law No. 6284: Protection or Polarization?

While acknowledging the intentions behind Law No. 6284, Kurtaran argued that it has inadvertently disrupted family dynamics. She pointed out that its focus on gender equality, rather than fostering harmony, has polarized men and women, stripping them of the natural virtues that sustain family units.

“Hasn’t this law, which obliges the state to promote gender equality, sufficiently strained the society through gender roles and played enough with individuals’ nature settings?” she asked. Kurtaran emphasized that any law or policy impacting families must be re-evaluated to strengthen, rather than dismantle, the bonds within families. She urged for the elimination of harmful influences and the encouragement of factors that enhance the material and spiritual well-being of families.

A Holistic Approach to Family Revival

TESSEP’s stance extends beyond mere critique. The organization has actively engaged with families through field studies, discussions, and analyses to understand the multi-dimensional challenges they face. Kurtaran stressed the importance of a holistic approach, stating, “Awareness-raising, revival, rehabilitation, and construction works should be carried out not only in one dimension but in all areas related to the family.”

Minister Göktaş echoed this sentiment, pledging comprehensive efforts under the coordination of the Ministry of Family and Social Services. She described the upcoming year as a period during which citizens will “feel the happiness of family, being a family, living safely in a family.”

Urgency for Concrete Action

As the Year of the Family approaches, Kurtaran urged immediate and concrete measures to address the crisis. She emphasized the importance of involving diverse stakeholders, including civil society organizations, to ensure policies are inclusive and impactful. “We hope that concrete steps will be taken in this regard in the coming period. Because we do not have a single day left to lose,” she said.

A National Effort to Rebuild the Family

The declaration of 2025 as the Year of the Family presents a vital opportunity for Turkey to reassess its policies and practices surrounding the family institution. By addressing existing challenges with sensitivity and determination, the initiative has the potential to strengthen families, restore societal balance, and foster a more harmonious future.

Organizations like TESSEP, along with government ministries, have pledged to closely monitor this process. As the nation moves forward, the hope remains that these steps will not only heal existing cracks in family structures but also fortify the family as the foundation of a resilient and thriving society. (ILKHA)