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Activists are voicing concern over a indications by several European countries that they will pull out of the Istanbul Convention - a treaty aiming to tackle domestic violence and protect women's rights.

Poland this week began the process of withdrawing from the agreement. Protest marches have been taking place in the capital Warsaw and also in Turkey, where there is speculation the government has similar intentions.

Attempts to ratify the treaty in Hungary, Bulgaria and Latvia have been defeated and Russia has never signed it.

Writer and women's rights activist Elif Shafak told Newsday that it is no coincidence that countries with rising patriarchy are the one's in the spotlight.

(Photo: Women in Warsaw Poland's plan to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention. Credit: Getty Images)