ZIHÛR EL-MEŞRIQÎ

Tunisia- Some Tunisian political parties try to abolish the rights and achievements of women gained as a result of their struggle, and to implement the pre-independence practices. Tunisian feminists say the situation is now harder than during the dictatorship period. The government doesn’t pay attention to women’s issues anymore. Despite the increase in political, economic, sexual and social violence, the government doesn’t see this as a problem that should be ended urgently.  

Dr.Hafidha Chekir, a prominent feminist and women's rights advocate, is a specialist in the law and actively work for the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women. She spoke to NuJinha about the current situation of women in Tunisia.

“The leading role of women should be recognized”

Talking about the activities of the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women, Dr. Hafidha Chekir said, “We are a group of non-governmental civil society organizations. We organize protests and campaigns for women along with youth movements against the regime that deviated from the path of the revolution of freedom and dignity. The demand for a dignified life and the protection of rights and freedoms is a legitimate constitutional right. The leading role of women in revolution should be recognized.”

“Women should take part in ministries”  

Hafidha Chekir indicated that they have been fighting against patriarchal culture for decades as an independent Feminist Movement. “We cannot talk about democracy while we don’t have rights and freedom, we cannot talk about social justice and human dignity while we don’t have equality. As the Militant Feminist Movement, we can show this to the public opinion and to all active national and democratic forces, including parties, national organizations and associations. So we can work together on a plan involving women and youth.”

The feminist movement wants women to take part in ministerial positions such as justice and defense. Talking about the crises in Tunisia, Hafidha Chekir said, “The governments should respond to the demands of the people and find solutions to the crises.”

The members of the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women had series talks with NGOs in Tunisia to work together in order to ensure women’s rights. “We suggested the Tunisian General Labour Union to ensure gender equality in the union. We should work with other human rights organizations and NGOs working on women’s rights.”

They waited for a law for years

The Code of Personal Status, which was promulgated by beylical decree on August 13, 1956 and came into effect on January 1, 1957, deals with crucial issues such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, alimony, child custody and adoption. “Women are allowed to go to court to demand divorce and determine the age of marriage without any social or family restrictions. But the code should be review to achieve full equality and to keep pace with the development of society and feminist thought.”

Feminist organizations in Tunisia started raising the issue of violence against women since the early 1990s. After a long struggle, the Tunisia parliament passes the country’s first national law to combat violence against women on 26 July, 2017. The law went into effect on February 1. But violence against women has increased since the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak in the country. “The policies of impunity increases violence against women, harassment and rape cases. The government should take steps to end violence and all attacks on women,” Hafidha Chekir said.

“We need enforcement mechanisms”

Tunisia women need a guarantee to protect their rights, Hafidha Chekir said, “Women have equal rights to inheritance and wage, but some organizations do not respect these rights. In addition, many women cannot benefit from these rights because they don’t have social security. We need enforcement mechanisms to implement the laws.”

“A new society should be built”

Hafidha Chekir emphasized that a new society should be built to support equality, freedom, and the rule of law principle against the domination of capitalism. “The media and NGOs play an important role to change the patriarchal thoughts in society.”

“Feminists and NGOs should unite”

“NGOs should continue to push authorities to raise awareness of the public about women's rights and protect them. We should eliminate the fear. Feminists and NGOs should unite and work together to improve the social situation, to get rid of all forms of discrimination, to recognize differences, to respect the freedom and to recognize women in economic and political area.”