For Atty. Dr. Tuğçe Duygu Köksal, litigation has always been more than a legal practice. As a lawyer and academic dedicated to women’s rights, she sees it as a way to create systemic change and strengthen protection for women in Türkiye.
Through the trainings on strategic litigation organised under the European Union and Council of Europe joint action “Fostering Women’s Access to Justice in Türkiye”, implemented within the Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye with the Union of Turkish Bar Associations as the main partner, Köksal has contributed to equipping lawyers and civil society actors with the skills and knowledge needed to use litigation as a tool for advancing women’s rights.
“These trainings were not limited to sharing legal knowledge,” Köksal explains. “They were designed to ensure the protection of women, promote preventive measures, and raise public awareness on combating violence against women and domestic violence. At the same time, by focusing on strategic litigation, the trainings highlight gaps in the judicial system and legislation, contribute to policy development, and strengthen public debate.”
According to Köksal, the importance of strategic litigation lies in its potential to influence beyond individual cases. “By analysing precedents and discussing practical experiences, participants saw how litigation can become a powerful driver of change. It allows us not only to protect women in individual situations but also to push for reforms that benefit society as a whole.”
The programme also benefitted from the Council of Europe’s HELP (Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals) course on Access to Justice for Women. Offered online, free of charge and certified, it provided an accessible learning opportunity for many legal professionals across the country. “HELP courses have contributed significantly to raising awareness, building capacity, and strengthening the overall struggle against violence. They make knowledge available to everyone, regardless of where they are,” Köksal highlights.
For her, the project’s value extends well beyond the training sessions. “This has been more than a training programme. It is an investment in a fairer, safer and more equal future for women in Türkiye.”
The action “Fostering women's access to justice in Türkiye” is part of the European Union and Council of Europe's joint programme "Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye“. It contributes to enhancing accessibility and quality of legal aid services for women and supporting key stakeholders, including civil society, as well as increasing legal awareness and literacy among women in Türkiye.
