TRADE unionists sent a message of solidarity to female MPs in Turkey as they held their party’s annual women’s conference over the weekend.

Female members of transport union TSSA expressed their unwavering support for Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) MPs who have been fighting the Turkish government’s relentless attacks on women’s rights.

As a result of their resistance, women in the HDP have also been targeted, with three party officials detained last week for arbitrary reasons.

“We stand by you in your fight for women’s rights and in the face of all injustice,” TSSA Women in Focus said.

“This year we have watched as your offices were attacked, your people arrested and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan say that sexual equality is ‘against nature.’

“When you are being silenced, we will be your voice.

“We promise to continue to support you this year and always.”

The HDP’s third women’s conference was held in Ankara under the motto “We are determined to fight for freedom.”