The Way Forward for Equal Opportunities by Sex in Employment in Turkey and Britain

Based on a review of historical development of sex equality discourses, and practices in Turkey, and Britain, this paper identifies patterns, and trends of change, and explores how real change towards sex equality could be achieved in both countries. Three aspects of equal opportunities discourse, and practice were evaluated: legal framework, national machinery, and organisational approaches in both countries. It is argued that Turkish, and British women, despite the geographical, historical, economic, and cultural differences between their countries, share a common position as disadvantaged groups in employment. The statistical indicators of employment, and gender gap in pay, legislative provision, and the sociological studies of equality of opportunity in employment in both countries suggest that there is still ample opportunity for progress towards sex equality. However, the nature of proposed agendas of change in legislative, state policy, and organisational approaches to equality shows divergence between Turkey, and Britain.