This study aims at exploring the barriers against women to reach the high-ranked positions of trade unions in Turkey. Similar to many developing countries, Turkish women are involved in low status and irregular jobs. Moreover, women are not represented equally with men in paid employment. As a result, the ratio of women is quite low in trade union membership. In fact, they seem unwilling to have close connections with the trade unions. Thus, they are almost invisible in the decision making mechanisms. Two particular reasons for the low representation of women in the executive ranks of the Turkish trade unions have been examined during the study. The burden of the familial roles and the patriarchal structure of trade unions constitute the major constraints against women. While the reasons for womens secondary role and their exclusion are discussed, possible solutions also are argued in the study from a feminist perspective.
Key words: Trade Unions, Women, Barrier, Leadership Article Language: EnglishTurkish
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