For me, Women’s Day is a proof that there is nothing a women cannot achieve if they set their minds to it. Women empower each other and, at the same time, influence one another. At least one woman has effected and enriched our lives. For me, the list of these women, fortunately, is very long. At the top of this list is my most precious and ever-supportive mother. If I can write this article here and now, it’s all thanks to my mother. When I mention my mother in this sentence, I’m not just referring to her giving birth to me, but to her contributions to my life. She taught me how to stand strong, behave in different situations, love, respect, and most importantly, that if I want something, I can achieve it. She was there for me every fall, helping me to rise again. She taught me what unconditional love is. She showed me that life is not always rosy and that I shouldn’t give up no matter how tired I am. I dedicate these thanks to the strongest woman I’ve ever known; thank you for reminding me every time that I’m not alone, that I can achieve, and for being proud of me. If I had the chance to choose my mother again in this world, I would choose you once more. Following my mother, the most influential people in my life are my sisters. Of course, more like my two closest friends than sisters. My sisters have always taught me that life won’t always go smoothly but that I shouldn’t give up. They always believed in me more than I did. When I thought illogically, they provided me with logic. Most importantly, they taught me that no matter what, we will always have each other’s backs. Siblings may argue, but in the end, they always find each other. I grew up with two successful role models, and I’ve always wanted to be like them. Thank you for everything you’ve done. You deserve the best thanks. Besides my family, two other people who have contributed to my life are Serra and Zeynep. I’ve experienced everything with you. We’ve cried and laughed together. You showed me that life is not always smooth sailing, that not everything is a problem, and that we can solve things together. Your successes and dedication to life have always made me proud. Serra, no matter what happened, we’ve always been there for each other. Your smile, intelligence, diligence, and strength. I admire everything that makes you who you are, and I’ll always have your back. Thank you for teaching me what true friendship is and that life is not just about one day. Zeynep, the person I call more of a sister than a friend. Your beauty, decisiveness, intelligence, and dedication. I’ve seen firsthand how to be a strong woman in this life through you. Thank you for teaching me trust, loyalty, and love. Your strength has given me strength, and thanks to your belief in me, I’ve had confidence in myself. Thank you for trusting me and standing by me. Lastly, to the friends who have recently entered my life but have completely changed it. Asude, Ayşegül, Ecem, and Dila; I can’t thank you enough. If I can write this article on this site right now, it’s all thanks to you. You’ve always been there for me in every trouble and sorrow. No matter how much I troubled you, you never got tired, you showed me what I could do when I doubted myself, that I’m stronger than I thought, and you showed me what I could accomplish. We’ve traveled this road together with mistakes and difficulties. I want to express my gratitude to each of you shortly. Asude, I’ll always admire your nobility and calmness. Your perspective on events, your problem-solving skills, and your intelligence, are all the qualities that I envy… Thank you for teaching me how important self-confidence and self-respect are. Ayşegül, no matter how much I express my love for you from the first day, it’s not enough. Your perseverance in life, that childlike innocence in you, everything about you is beautiful. Thank you for showing me that life shouldn’t be taken too seriously and that even if I make mistakes, I’m still enough. Ecem, you know how sometimes you meet someone in a period of your life and feel like you’ve found yourself, well, you became that person for me. Your energy, beauty, and even though you deny it, your intelligence, all the qualities that make you who you are. Thank you for bringing an energy into my life that I didn’t know I needed, for showing me what I can do when I forget myself, and most importantly, for always being you. The last thank you I’ve kept separately is a thank you that holds special importance for me, Dila Naz Öğünç; with your positivity, work ethic, calmness, ambition, and self-confidence, you leave me more amazed with each passing day. When I’m stressed, you calm me down, you never make me feel alone, and you come when you feel I need you. Thank you for that. As the other founder of the magazine, my partner, may the most beautiful things in life be yours because you always deserve the best. Besides these women I’ve mentioned, I want to thank other women who have contributed to my life. The hardest and most beautiful thing in life is being a woman. Always remember that you deserve the best and no one can take that away from you. Be proud of yourself and your achievements, and most importantly, believe in yourself because if you set your mind to something, you can achieve it.
Letter to My Family, My Team, and All Women:
To all the women who have influenced my entire life;
To my beloved family: my mother, my sister, my little sister…
Mom, you are the strongest woman I have ever seen. First of all, I want to thank you for being my mother. You raised me to stand on my own two feet. Of course, getting to this point for me wasn’t as easy as it was for everyone else. As someone who is always dependent on you, I came to Istanbul without knowing anyone, my place, or my direction. Even then, you were my biggest supporter. I fell a lot, cried a lot, complained a lot. But you were always where I wanted to be. Behind me, beside me, on my right, but most of all, in my heart – my mom. I stumbled so many times, but you always protected me as if you were still looking after little Dila, you were there for me. Even with the slightest fall, you either prevented or slowed my fall. You always gave love to me, my sister, and my little sister, and you didn’t withhold your boundless love from us. The best part is that you showed me how to love others and value people. If I can love myself now, it’s all thanks to you. You always saw the best in me, Mom. If I can stand on my own feet now, decide to study psychology, and continue with determination if I can write in this magazine, it’s all because you believed in me and supported me. I’m so grateful you’re in my life, Mom; I love you so much!
My sister, you are my first and eternal idol in this life. My laughter partner, my perfect sister who always influences my thoughts and expands my horizon; I’m so glad you exist and you’re my sister. I’ve always admired your sense of justice, your stance, and your nobility, and I will always admire them. Although our professions are different, as a woman who stands tall on her own feet, you will always influence my life, and you will always remain my idol. I’m still walking, looking at your footprints. I want you to know that if I’ve learned to protect myself in the journey of life, it’s because of you. Thank you so much for always protecting me, putting my well-being before yours, and being my constant supporter. I’m proud of you as your little sister, with your successes, your upright stance, and being such a woman. I’m glad you’re my sister, love you so much!
My little sister, tiny but big-hearted and unique brother, I’m so glad you exist. My little sister, whose laughter gives meaning to me, whose tears tear a piece of my heart, knows that I love everything because I love you so much. I’ve never felt love and tenderness towards anyone else like I do towards you. When I play small games with you, when we argue sweetly, I’ve never enjoyed anything as much as I do with others. Know that I grew up with you, but because of you, my soul is still childish. Thank you so much for filling the most part of my heart since the moment you were born, for brightening my world with your smile, for still being able to turn me into a little child even though I’m 21, and for loving me so much. I hope you can stand tall on your own feet, my sister. I’m already proud of you. I’m glad you’re my brother. I love you so much!
To my dear team, my GoldenHas girls;
Asude, I admire your standing behind your decisions, showing us the truth in every way. Thank you for shaking us up and lifting us when we make mistakes or fall. You are the quietest but most effective speaker when you speak. I’m so glad you’re in my life! Ayşegül; your jokes, meeting me with your different colorful sides every day, and making us laugh with your smile regardless of what you experience (we experience) affect me a lot. You make people feel good with your perfect energy, which you deny. I’m so glad you exist! Ecem; I love your intelligence, your ability to run for everything, and your ability to laugh no matter what happens. I love how you can express your troubles with a look, understand them as much as you tell, and hug us in every situation. Please always smile like this, I’m so glad you’re my friend! The last name is Lara, both my partner and the fairy named Lara, who made me believe that we can achieve something, and was always with me no matter what. Thank you so much for being my partner in this journey and showing me that we can always succeed. I’m so glad you’re my friend! Everything best belongs to you, may your paths be open, my girls!
Finally, too many women I haven’t mentioned yet;
You are all rare flowers, women! You are all very special. I want you to know that not only today but every day is your day. Always laugh, love, and be loved. Always stand tall. Happy International Women’s Day to all of you!
When March 8 arrives, I am once again amazed by the struggles women face in life and their resilience. However, we should remember and celebrate their struggles not just on this special day but every day. Every woman has her path and touches many lives along the way. While walking my path, I’ve encountered many women who have touched my life. The first among these beautiful women is, of course, my mother. I thank her for protecting and nurturing me and aiming for me to become such a smart and strong woman. I am always grateful to you for reminding me that I can achieve anything and deserve the best. I am thankful to have been born as her daughter. I also want to express my feelings to my beautiful and strong GoldenHas girls, who have made it possible for me to write this. Although we’ve only recently met, I love you all for your friendship and companionship I’ve always needed and felt lacking. Lara, I am so amazed by your beauty, intelligence, and stance that I cannot express it. Since the day we met, I have continuously admired and been proud of you. I love you so much, my beautiful girl. You will continue to impress everyone with your intelligence and stance, I mean every word. There’s nothing you can’t achieve. Ecem, I realized that I have never told you this before; I admire the way you walk your path every time. I admire how you prioritize your happiness and don’t listen to anyone while walking your path. Your intelligence, energy, and passion will constantly bring color to my life and the lives of everyone around you. Don’t change how you walk your path and continue on the path to happiness. Ayşegül, my protectiveness due to my love for you can sometimes hinder me from showing my love, but I’ve always appreciated your struggle, I’m proud of you. One of the most colorful touches in my life belongs to you. I’m glad we met and crossed paths, I admire you for every difficulty you overcome, and I love you so much. Dila, you touch the lives of everyone you meet with all your beauty and kindness, just like you touched mine. Your pure heart and ability to empathize with everyone in every situation are the perfect qualities that make you who you are. I will always admire your stance and diligence in life. My beautiful and strong girls, thank you for making my life beautiful and giving me strength as I walk my path, even though you don’t need to be strong. I am proud of all of you for how you managed the struggles you face in life, and I know I will be even prouder. Matching with you was one of the most beautiful things in my life. I’m glad you exist.
As women, we are fighting to assert ourselves in a patriarchal society, in school, at home, in the workplace, on the streets, and in many other areas. We know that the only way to emerge victorious from this struggle is to support each other to the fullest as women. March 8th, Women’s Day, is one of the most beautiful reminders of the need for unity. Everyone has women in their lives who have changed or shaped their lives. In memory of today, I want to thank the most beautiful women who have entered my life. First, my mother, it may sound cliché, but if they were to ask me who I would choose as my mother if I were to come to life again, I would still choose you. You are my guide, my light. You have never given up for a moment, faced all kinds of difficulties, and haven’t faltered. Everything you do or say serves as a guide in my life. My second thank you goes to my sister Beren… Being a sister is perhaps one of the most difficult tasks in life. Because I know that when I do something, you will look up to me. It leads me to think carefully about every step I take, filtering every move I make. I’m trying to be the best version of myself for you. Seeing that my sister has managed to overcome those difficulties and sometimes tough roads with at least damage by thinking that she has made her way through those roads, I hope that, all my efforts to see this are working. All thanks to you, my sister, I can deal with so many things. My last thank you goes to my dear friends… Asude, Ayşegül, Dila, and Lara… Our friendship, which may seem strange to some when viewed from afar, can make them wonder how these girls became so close, but we all know deep down how normal it is for us and why. Asude, you are the smartest, most down-to-earth person who has entered my life, and I admire your calmness. You have faced or, in other words, endured so many difficulties alone and turned into what you are now. You will never be alone even if you don’t need anyone in any happy or unhappy event in the future, just as you won’t be alone now. I’ll always support you when you can’t always be strong. When I encounter any event that I think I can’t solve, when we’re together, I know that somehow I will solve that problem. Thank you for showing me that life can be beautiful without rose-colored glasses. Aşo, our way of expressing love may differ, but our similarities are more than you think. That’s why I trust that we will hug and make up for everything, no matter how much we argue or get into each other’s nerves. Thank you for teaching me that I can solve my problems by talking about them rather than keeping them to myself, no matter how angry I am. Diloş, they used to say that your best psychologist is your friend, I couldn’t believe it. I don’t know how good it was for your profession to start so early and with me, but I was sure that I knew you when I first saw you. We are now in a process that we both fear, are hesitant to confess, and find it difficult to accept. Maybe it will end well, maybe not, I don’t know. But one thing I’m sure of is that whether it’s good or bad, in this process or in every process after this, I will exist around you with the energy you want to see in me. Thank you for reminding me that I need to strive for the happiness of little Ecem. And my dear Lara bird, my lost twin… My beautiful friend who understands what I feel and think even before I start a sentence… When I can’t express myself, when my words are not enough, I look at you. Then I see, I don’t need to explain myself because you’ve already understood. Thank you for not being afraid to be sad, even though I’m am. I hope you also know that if you cry, get angry, or need more at that moment, I will do more for you without even thinking about it. Don’t forget that you can achieve anything you set your mind to, no matter how difficult it may seem sometimes. Thank you for teaching me that I shouldn’t be afraid to be sad. My beautiful friends, maybe there are many storms raging inside you that I don’t yet know about, but I hope and, at the same time, know that you are strong enough to calm these storms. You made me feel that I will never be alone even when I cried for fear of being alone. Thank you all very much for everything that has happened and will happen. I hope you are as lucky as I am as the women who have changed your lives. The most important thing we shouldn’t forget is that we should support each other. I know that if we protect and support each other, we can overcome every situation society oppressing or forcing us to.
Open Letter to My Mother: My Dearest
Women, our women… Undoubtedly, throughout human history, whether they are in the spotlight or not, women have always been at the heart of our lives. We have many women that we collectively appreciate, admire, and look up to as examples. From Nene Hatun to Sabiha Gökçen, Afife Jale to Eda Erdem, and countless other women whom I would be unable to fit into these pages if I started listing them… But apart from our women, who are valuable for all of us as a nation, we also have our treasures: our mothers.
My mother: my first love, my first friend, my first confidant, my favorite. I don’t know where to start writing my thank-you letter to you. You’ve been with me throughout my life; I never felt your absence for a single day. You never made me realize my father’s absence during his involuntary transfers. Although he did everything he could to see us, I don’t want to be unfair to him, but you know how it is, it’s a state duty… Now, looking back, I remember when I couldn’t hold a pen or draw a picture, you never scolded me, never said, “Don’t exaggerate, son!” or “What’s the big deal, it’s just an allergy?” Instead, while I was in pain, you were always understanding, and tried to get me treated as much as possible, but sometimes only time heals. When I take a step back look around me, I once again realize how beautiful you are. Even though you had your troubles and problems, you never reflected them on me. You always thought of me. Thank you.
Mom, while you were thinking about me amidst all your troubles and worries, I always vented to you about my minor heartbreaks, my boredom, or even when I got angry over a silly game. Maybe I haven’t said anything until now, but I’m sorry.
You might remember – well, how could you forget – the swimming competition in Mersin. While everyone was shouting “Come on, Zeki!” in unison, you were the only one loudly cheering, “Go, Ege, well done, Ege!” I could hear your voice from underwater. Maybe that day, that month, and in the following years, I felt embarrassed by your cheering, but now I understand it’s all because of your love for me, Mom. Thank you.
My dear mother, my one and only. Now, far away from you in Istanbul, living with my father, I might have opened a brand-new chapter in my life, but that doesn’t mean my love for you has diminished. Yes, the separation was very difficult for me too, and I still haven’t gotten used to it. It’s hard to understand, Mom, why would anyone leave the comfort of their mother’s embrace, their side, but you know we had decided this a long time ago. I was devastated when I saw you crying the day you came to see me off. I didn’t know what to do, mom. Every time I come to Ankara, it hits me hard when you say, “I’m glad you have a girlfriend to come visit.” Why do you think that way? As if I’m not coming to see you. Maybe you don’t want to make me feel that way, but what is more precious to me in this world than you? I have a mother worth the world, a mother more beautiful than anything else. You’re my everything, my dearest mother. I love you so much. Thank you for everything I could express, and for everything I couldn’t. Happy International Women’s Day to the most precious woman in the world.