Turkish media have reported that Mahnaz Yulmaz, a student from Jowzjan province in Afghanistan, was symbolically appointed as the mayor of Izmir, Turkey, for 24 hours due to her outstanding abilities and creativity in school.
Reports indicate that this program is held annually in April by local authorities in the city of Izmir.
The initiative aims to encourage students, especially girls, to pursue education, take on responsibilities, and engage in social participation.
Turkish educational officials state that this initiative helps strengthen self-confidence, develop leadership skills, and promote the active involvement of the younger generation in social issues.
This symbolic event has received widespread attention on social media and has been praised as an example of recognition for young talents.
Mahnaz Yulmaz’s mother, Aliyeh Yulmaz, wrote on her Facebook account that the timing of this achievement with her work responsibilities created a mixed feeling for her.
She continued by saying that while her daughter was smiling in her position of responsibility, she herself was engaged in organizing a scientific-political conference about Afghanistan.
Mahnaz Yulmaz’s mother added: “This moment brought a combination of pride and longing. On one hand, I am proud of my daughter, and on the other hand, I regret not being there with her at that moment.”
She emphasized that responsibilities sometimes place a person between love for family and commitment to society.
Mahnaz’s mother stressed: “Today’s efforts in the realm of thought and dialogue will pave the way for a better future for the next generation; a generation that will create a brighter tomorrow through action.”
While this Afghan student is appointed as the mayor of Izmir, the interim government has deprived women and girls of education and schooling since taking control of Afghanistan. In its latest restriction, it closed the doors of medical institutes to girls and women, even as the health sector across Afghanistan faces a shortage of personnel.
This action by the current government has left millions of female students without access to education.
Additionally, women have been banned from going to sports clubs, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, working in domestic and international NGOs, and even at UN offices in Afghanistan.
