Turkish officials discuss expansion of social assistance programs

During a social policies meeting at the AK Party headquarters in Ankara, Turkish officials detailed the expansion of the nation's social assistance framework. Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş reported that social assistance categories have grown from four items in 2002 to 58 items today.

Göktaş highlighted the Home Care Assistance program, noting that 497,000 families receive a monthly support of 15,755 Turkish Liras. The Minister also emphasized efforts to combat violence against women through tools such as the KADES and GÖR applications, electronic monitoring, and the operation of 88 violence prevention centers across 81 provinces.

AK Party Deputy Chairperson Ala addressed poverty and income distribution, noting that while per capita income has increased, challenges remain. Ala also discussed Turkey's international role in sharing social policy experiences within the Islamic world and the responsibility to address global economic inequalities.