First Lady Gul holds women's day reception

First Lady Hayrunnisa Gul held a reception yesterday at the Cankaya Presidential Palace to mark March 8, World Women's Day. Speaking to the event, Gul said that in recent years Turkish women have been taking a more and more active and productive role in the nation's economic, social and political life. Stating that besides their roles as wives and mothers, women are individuals with their own thoughts, dreams and feelings, Gul said that women should improve their skills to overcome the hurdles facing them. Also speaking at the reception, public relations expert Betul Mardin said that if a woman sets a goal for herself, she will certainly achieve it. In related news, in ceremonies across Turkey marking World Women's Day, Turkish women made calls for equal rights and improved participation in social life.