ÁFRICA BLANCA // ASÍ SON las MUJERES de TÚNEZ

Tunisian women, with their experiences, roles, and realities shaped by very specific historical, cultural, social, and economic factors, have always been viewed from a distance. We will provide a general yet concise overview of Tunisian women, highlighting key aspects of their situation, particularities, culture, and challenges. Tunisia, located in North Africa, is known for being one of the most progressive countries in the Arab world in terms of women's rights. Since its independence in 1956, under the leadership of Habib Bourguiba, the Personal Status Code was implemented, a groundbreaking piece of legislation that granted women significant rights. In 2025, Tunisian women continue to navigate a balance between tradition and modernity. Although they enjoy more rights than in many neighboring countries, political and economic instability impacts their progress. Young women, especially, use platforms like X to express their opinions, share stories, and promote upward mobility. The abolition of polygamy, the establishment of mutual consent for marriage and the right to divorce, and other reforms were revolutionary for their time in the Arab-Islamic context and set the country apart from the rest. Culturally, Tunisian women are influenced by a blend of Berber, Arab, Islamic, and European (especially French, due to colonization) traditions. This is reflected in their dress, which ranges from traditional styles (such as the sefsari, a typical Tunisian garment) to modern fashion, especially in urban areas such as Tunis, Sfax, and Sousse. Tunisian women have widespread access to education. According to recent data, the female literacy rate exceeds 80%, and women represent more than half of university students. Many excel in fields such as medicine, engineering, and law. Although women are active in the labor market and comprise approximately 25–30% of the workforce, they face challenges such as the wage gap and occupational segregation, as their domestic work remains predominant. Many work in sectors such as education, healthcare, and the textile industry. Tunisia has made progress in female political representation. The 2014 constitution promotes gender parity, and women hold approximately 50% of the seats in parliament. Figures such as Souad Abderrahim, mayor of Tunis since 2018, are prominent examples. Women have the right to inherit, although traditional Islamic law grants men double the inheritance in some cases. In 2017, a historic and far-reaching law was passed allowing Tunisian women to marry non-Muslims, breaking taboos in the region. Despite the progress, Tunisian women face significant challenges. Domestic violence remains a problem, although Law 58 of 2017 against violence against women marked a milestone by criminalizing harassment, domestic violence, and economic abuse. Meanwhile, women in rural areas, such as the interior regions south of Gafsa, face greater limitations in access to education, employment, and services compared to cities like Tunis or Hammamet. Although Tunisia is progressive for the Arab Muslim context, patriarchal attitudes persist in some sectors, especially in conservative communities, limiting female autonomy and maintaining ancestral customs. Moreover, since 2021, the consolidation of power by President Kais Saied and the dissolution of parliament have raised concerns about the erosion of democratic rights, but so far, no setbacks have been observed. Tunisian women are mothers, professionals, activists, artists, and more. Many women combine the practice of Islam with modern lifestyles. Wearing the hijab is common but not mandatory, and many women choose not to wear it, especially in urban settings. Women have been key in social movements, such as the 2011 Arab Spring, which overthrew President Ben Ali. Organizations such as the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women fight for equality and rights, confirming the open space for freedom compared to other neighboring countries.