A debate organized by Bilkent University and the “Turkey Helpless and Outcast Foundation” took place between Bilkent and METU Universities last week. The topic of debate was: “Affirmative action for women in parliament” reflecting the recent celebration of "World Women's Day." Since the debate was based on parliamentary procedures, the program opened with an explanation of the rules. Four teams consisting of 2 students each competed: Bilkent A, METU A, Bilkent B and METU B. Each team represented one of the following viewpoints: Government Opening and Closure and Opposition Opening and Closure. The teams were determined with a random draw followed by a 15-minute preparation period. Each team made a seven-minute speech.

The debate included arguments ranging from support of affirmative action being given to women in parliament to the argument that representation of women in parliament should be gained. The crux of one of the arguments was that since women make up 52% of Turkey's population and yet only 4% of people working in parliament are women; there should be measures to increase their representation in parliament. At the end of the debate, the presenter thanked everyone for this friendly debate between Bilkent and METU. A cocktail reception folllowed.

Efsun Tümer (IE/III)