After 76 years, the new civil code gives women more equality.
Effective January 1st, 2002, Turkish women are considered the equals of
Turkish men. Parliament made a series of revisions to the civil code on
November 22nd, 2001, but the changes were not scheduled to take affect
until the new year. Over 1,030 new articles were debated during the month
of November - the last set of changes having been introduced in 1926. Here
are some of the changes that were passed:

Women are now equals in family matters. Previously the man had been
seen as the head of a family and the woman was given no say in
decisions concerning the home or children. 
Property and assets are to be divided equally in a divorce. Previously
the wife was only entitled to property legally registered under her
name. Men will also be allowed to file for alimony under the new law. 
Women are allowed to sue for divorce if their husband commits
adultery. 
Women are now able to obtain jobs on their own. Previously they
were required to obtain their husband's consent. 
Women are now entitled to continue to use their maiden name.