The Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality (DBB) Council unanimously approved the establishment of an Equality Unit under the Women-Friendly Cities Programme – Protocol III.

The third sitting of the Council’s regular February meeting was held under the chairmanship of Co-Mayor Doğan Hatun. During the session, a motion was tabled to establish an Equality Unit to ensure that the obligations set out under the Women-Friendly Cities Programme – Protocol III, signed between DBB and the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye (TBB), are implemented effectively and sustainably. The motion was adopted unanimously.

The Equality Unit, which will operate under the Department of Women’s Policies, will carry out data-driven analyses to identify needs, embed an equality perspective into strategic planning and budgeting processes, and undertake work in cooperation with relevant institutions and civil society organisations.

Beyond being an administrative arrangement, the Equality Unit will contribute to strengthening a local governance approach that is fair, inclusive, and prioritises equal opportunities across the city.

Women-Friendly Cities III Programme

DBB joined the Women-Friendly Cities III Programme in May 2025. The programme—implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in partnership with the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye (TBB) and with financial support from the European Union (EU)—aims to ensure women’s equal access to all services, resources and decision-making mechanisms in the city, as well as their active participation.

Under the three-year programme, 25 municipalities, including Diyarbakır, will receive technical support. Equality units, local equality councils and local equality commissions will be established in these municipalities, or existing structures will be strengthened. In addition, local equality action plans based on women’s priority needs will be prepared, or current plans will be updated. In this way, protecting and strengthening women’s rights will become one of the core and permanent areas of work for local authorities.