NAZIHA BOUSSAID

Tunisia – Public discourse targeting women based on their physical appearance, marital status, and lifestyle choices has once again become a topic of debate in the Tunisian public. Experts point out that such labeling deepens gender inequality. Social pressures against women are not limited to their appearance or marital status; their roles and behavior in public life are also being questioned. Even women's driving skills are criticized by some, and their driving skills are often belittled by comparison with men.

Women are targets of discrediting campaigns

Women's presence in politics or civil society can sometimes lead to their becoming targets. For example, public figures like Olfa Hamdi can face intense criticism not only for their ideas but also for their personal lives when they stray from traditional norms. Similarly, many female civil society activists can be targeted by discrediting campaigns for failing to conform to social norms.

A recent example of social oppression and bullying against women occurred when a Spanish female activist, who set out to raise awareness about the Gaza blockade as part of the "Resistance Convoy," became the target of an intense online bullying campaign due to her appearance and behavior. Some users, citing her attire and images of her dancing on a boat, questioned her commitment to the Palestinian cause. Comments like, "Can this blonde wearing shorts and dancing on a yacht lift the blockade in Gaza?" were made on digital media platforms. Such statements once again illustrate how easily women can be discredited based on both their appearance and their actions. On the other hand, some users pointed out that the activist in question spends a significant portion of her time on Instagram raising awareness for the Palestinian cause, expressing their view of her as a genuine activist and rejecting the criticism.

Digital Bullying

Recently, the "Campaign Against the Criminalization of Civil Society" issued a solidarity statement in support of the Women's Voice Association, whose activities were suspended for a month. The statement expressed dissatisfaction with the authorities' interference in the association's activities. The campaign argued that the decision was restrictive of civil society activities, while some opposing groups claimed that the association members were spending time on vacation and at the beach. Such comments shared on digital media are being considered a new wave of digital bullying against the association's members.

Recently, Tunisian women's rights defenders and human rights activists strongly criticized statements made on digital media by People's Representative Ahmed Saidani. Ahmed Saidani's characterization of political activist Olfa Hamdi as a "spinster" and his use of phrases about fellow activist Meriem Bribri as "ugly and unable to find a husband" resonated widely with the public. Women's rights organizations and civil society representatives interpreted these remarks as symbolic and verbal violence against women, emphasizing that the statements clearly violated the principle of gender equality. The reactions stated that such statements were unbecoming of a member of parliament, who is expected to be a role model for respect for rights and freedoms in society. Officials also stated that the remarks contradicted the provisions of the Tunisian Constitution and Law No. 58, enacted in 2017, which stipulate the prevention of violence against women.

"Language reflects patriarchal mentality"

Tunisian human rights defender Najat Zemmouri stated that MP Ahmed Saidani's comments on digital media against political activist Olfa Hamdi reveal a serious regression in women's rights in the country. Najat Zemmouri stated, “Ahmed Saidani’s words are directed not at Olfa Hamdi’s ideas or political stance, but at her private life in a sarcastic and condescending manner. This is unacceptable. The MP not only insulted Olfa Hamdi; he also directed similar language at all women who dared to criticize her. This language targeting unmarried women reflects an old and patriarchal male mindset that we believe has vanished. Ahmed Saidani’s responses to his critics reveal an intolerant approach to disagreement, a patriarchal mindset, and a lack of respect for the principle of pluralism. The message a public representative who mocks female activists simply for being unmarried is sending is very dangerous. This demonstrates that political criticism is met not with dialogue, but with a derogatory tone.”

‘There is no room for any racially discriminatory views’

Philosophy professor Habiba Kahouli emphasized the condemnation of any rhetoric that condemns women in any way. Habiba Kahouli, who said, "A woman is a woman, a teacher, a professor, a doctor, a farmer," stated that discourses that condemn women based on their appearance or other reasons are unacceptable and incompatible with humanity. She stated that anyone who condemns women in this way, whether in politics, human rights, education, culture, or any other influential position, should be criticized morally and socially. She stated that it is impossible to deny the existence of a patriarchal mentality in Tunisia, but that these classifications must be overcome. Habiba Kahouli added, "We see everyone as human, regardless of their color or gender. Humanity is what unites us. There is no place for any view that discriminates between genders or races."

"He is unaware of the struggle of Tunisian women"

Trade unionist and civil society activist Siham Bousta expressed her reaction, saying, "It is truly unfortunate that we are in the 21st century, and a male MP makes such sexist statements. It is unacceptable that Tunisian women are not aware of their struggles." "The language used on digital media reveals aggression towards women."

Psychologist Samia Raqiq stated that the aggressive and rude language directed at women on digital media reveals the prevalence of bullying in society. She continued, "The aggressive and rude language directed at women on digital media demonstrates the prevalence of bullying in society. The social causes of this situation are diverse. Factors such as the breakdown of family structure, the lack of values ​​and reference points, a lack of understanding of the importance of mutual respect between spouses and family, the decline in the status of the elderly in society, and the family's inability to properly fulfill its educational role contribute to the prevalence of bullying. All of these factors lead people to act beyond what is reasonable and engage in harmful behavior. Psychologically, frustration triggers negative reactions in some people, which manifests itself in aggressive behaviors like bullying. Bullies often feel nihilistic and express these feelings through hurtful words and behaviors that hinder their development."