Derya Dogus Northern Cypriot politician Date of Birth: 01.01.1978 Country: Cyprus

1. The Early Years
2. Education and Activism
3. Return to Cyprus and Academic Career
4. Political Career
5. Legislative Initiatives

The Early Years

Derya Ulger was born in 1978 in northern Nicosia, the capital of Northern Cyprus. She grew up in a family that instilled in her a strong sense of social justice and equality.

Education and Activism

Ulger pursued higher education at Istanbul University, where she earned a degree in political science and international relations in 1999. She went on to obtain a master's degree in sociology from Bogazici University and a Ph.D. from the University of Cyprus.

During her time in Turkey, Ulger actively participated in women's rights organizations and founded the University Representatives Association of the Cyprus Youth Platform.

Return to Cyprus and Academic Career

After returning to Cyprus in 2007-08, Ulger taught political sociology at the Near East University. She used her platform to advocate for gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and democratic values in education.

Political Career

In 2013, Ulger ran for the Assembly on the Republican Turkish Party's list and was elected as the seventh candidate. She was re-elected in 2018.

As an assembly member, Ulger has become known as a staunch advocate for gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and freedom of speech and education. She famously refused to recite the oath of office, which emphasized the "integrity of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," declaring it to be "too masculine." She proposed a revised oath that emphasized a federal Cyprus and the fight against all forms of discrimination, including sexual orientation.

Legislative Initiatives

Ulger has been instrumental in initiating legislative changes that promote gender equality and protect vulnerable populations. In 2014, she proposed amendments to the Penal Code, including revisions to the articles on sexual crimes. In 2015, she led the committee tasked with drafting a new Family Code that provided boys with the same level of protection as girls and allowed women to choose their surnames after marriage. The law also strengthened measures to protect women from domestic violence and threats.