Selma Aliye Kavaf
| Selma Aliye Kavaf | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Minister of State (Responsible for Women and Family Affairs) | |
|
In office 1 May 2009 – 6 June 2011 | |
| Preceded by | Nimet Çubukçu |
| Succeeded by | Office abolished |
| President of the Women's Branch of the Justice and Development Party | |
|
In office 2002 – 1 May 2009 | |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Fatma Şahin |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
1 July 1962 Denizli, Turkey |
| Political party | Justice and Development Party (AKP) |
| Alma mater | Ankara University |
| Religion | Islam |
Selma Aliye Kavaf (born 1 July 1962) is a Turkish politician. She is the former Minister of State Responsible for Women and Family Affairs, and a member of parliament for Denizli of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
Early life and career
Kavaf has graduated from the Turcology department of Ankara University Language, History and Geography Faculty. She has worked as a teacher both in public and private schools for seven years.
Political career
Kavaf has joined the politics in 2002 after the foundation of Justice and Development Party. After the elections, Kavaf was promoted as the Founder General Presidency of Women's Branch of the Justice and Development Party. It is first women organization of a Turkish political party in institutional sense.
In the elections of 2007, Kavaf was elected as a member of parliament. She is the first female MP from Denizli. On 1 May 2009, she was appointed as State Minister Responsible for Women and Family in the second cabinet of Erdoğan. She has stated that she opposes homosexuality, in her own words: "I believe homosexuality is a biological disorder, a disease. It needs to be treated."[1] Her remarks sparked controversy and were protested by anti-homophobia activists[2] in Turkey.[3]
External links
- (Turkish) Selma Aliye Kavaf – Official Website
- (Turkish) Biography of Selma Aliye Kavaf at AK Party
References
- ↑ 'Homosexuality is a disease' says Turkish minister, " Hürriyet, March 7, 2010.
- ↑ Turkish activists want minister tried for derogatory comments on gays, " Deutsche Welle, 16 March 2010.
- ↑ "Activists protest Turkish minister's remarks about gays," Hürriyet, 15 April 2010.
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| New title Office established |
President of the Women's Branch of the Justice and Development Party 2002 – 1 May 2009 |
Succeeded by Fatma Şahin |
| Preceded by Nimet Çubukçu |
Minister of State (Responsible for Women and Family Affairs) 1 May 2009 – 6 June 2011 |
Succeeded by Fatma Şahin as Minister of Family and Social Policy |