Awareness For Femicide

Upon posting and inviting many others to the B&W challenge, I did not know of its origins of Turkish femicide… that B&W photos of women who are killed daily get posted in this country. (See my stories for further explanation.)⠀
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The death of Pinar Gültekin, a 27-year old TUrksh student who was murdered in an act of jealousy by her former boyfriend, was the final straw for Turkish women who held vigils for Pinar and the rising trend of women being killed.⠀
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I stand by my intention of supporting and celebrating women, AND now, of better understanding and supporting our sisters in Turkey. ⠀
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I do not take for granted the freedom and privilege that we have to post empowered photos as living, breathing, intellectual, sensual, and powerful women that we are. And I’m saddened to learn of the realities of the B&W photos in Turkey. ⠀
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My mother and I had to flee her abuser many times. One of our ‘safe houses’ was a dear friend of hers that was ironically and sadly later killed by way of domestic violence. My childhood experience of this kind of abuse felt isolated and that there were just a few bad people. ⠀
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Wrapping my head around that fact that femicide is a culturally accepted norm in many countries is mind numbing. ⠀
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Through the use of technology, it’s incredible that we can build international bridges to our sisters in other countries to unite and stand in solidarity.

And begun to face how these things are, in fact, happening in our own cities.

My colleague and new friend @dramieharwick was killed as recent as this past Feb by an ex-boyfriend and a young military woman #vanessaguillen was murdered by her stalker.

This Shit is happening ... still 💔. And it’s not ok.
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Women’s Lives Matter. ⠀
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I’m an advocate for #womensupportingwomen, but implore more Men to also take a stand #mensupportingwomen to help make these wrongs right. ⠀

Follow @auturkishculturalclub to learn more.