ANKARA– The proceedings of the "Women Side by Side to Discuss the Future" conference began, held in the Turkish capital, Ankara, at the invitation of 80 women, including journalists, writers, academics, and politicians.

The first day of the conference, which began today, Saturday, 31 October, and continues for two days, includes three sessions. The conference began after a musical performance presented by artist İlkay Akkaya, and the first session discusses the axis of "Freedoms, Democracy, Justice, and Equal Citizenship."

Participating in the first session are Kurdish politician Kultan Kışanak, member of the "I Need Peace" women's initiative Feride Eralp, politician Zeynep Altıok Akatlı, writer Hüdaya Şevketli Toksal, and political scientist Füsun Üstel.

The conference continues after the opening speeches in the form of forums, which will be held over two sessions to discuss the axes of: capitalism, labor exploitation, gender equality, and the struggle for freedoms.