A Research on Public Relations Practices of Gender-Oriented Non Govermental Organizations in Turkey

Public relations and civil society organizations are critical in driving societal change and effectiveness. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are non-profit entities that raise awareness, promote social change, influence policies, and provide services. They heavily rely on public relations to manage relationships with target audiences, influence public opinion, gather support, and build a positive image. Public relations help NGOs communi-cate their activities to the broader public while understanding societal needs. This study examines public relations as both a management function and a tool for cultural and politi-cal practices. It provides a theoretical framework for understanding the public relations strategies of NGOs operating in social and political spheres, with a focus on organizations working on gender equality—an area critical for ensuring social justice. The primary rese-arch question investigates how gender-focused NGOs utilize public relations strategies and their impact on advancing gender equality. This inquiry is essential to understanding the role of NGOs in shaping public opinion and fostering societal change. The study analyzes 21 NGOs in Turkey working on gender equality. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis to systematically assess how public relations methods contribute to gender equality. The findings were cate-gorized under specific themes, offering insights into the strategic use of public relations by these organizations. The results highlight that public relations significantly enhance the effectiveness of NGOs, supporting their efforts to raise awareness about gender equality and influencing public opinion. This demonstrates the potential of public relations to amplify the impact of NGOs and drive social change. These findings underscore the role of public relations as a vital tool for NGOs in their mission to achieve gender equality and broader social justice.