NEZIHA BOSEIDI

Tunisia- Despite the anti-violence laws of Tunisia; women are still subjected to violence in the country. Even if the country has its first woman prime minister and 10 women ministries, many women have been subjected to gender-based violence.

But Tunisian women keep struggling against the patriarchal mentality for their political existence. We spoke to Radhia Jerbi, president of the National Union of Tunisian Women (NUTW), about the activities of women and what challenges they have faced in the country.

What are the most important issues that the union works on?

The National Union of Tunisian Women was founded in 1956 to provide social, economic, and cultural support to women. The union has worked to empower women’s participation in decision-making positions and to eliminate all kinds of discrimination against women to change mindsets. The union has worked coordinately with many organizations in many countries such as Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.

“It is an organization for all women”

The union faced many difficulties after 2011 and some of its offices were closed down. How did you overcome these difficulties?

Yes, we faced many difficulties after the Tunisian revolution in 2011. Some of our offices were seized. Before the revolution, our union was thought an organization affiliated with the Tagammu Party and wanted to be closed down. Years passed and a policy of starvation was carried out against employees, particularly during the rule of the Troika (a coalition of three political parties). But we insisted on supporting lawyers, politicians, media professionals, and some women's advocates. We overcame that difficult period and won many cases and reopened some of the offices that had been seized. We also opened new offices in the Governorate of Medenine, Tozeur, and Fernana. We believe that the union is an organization for all women from different ideologies and cultures.

“Women need to struggle”

Tunisian women have faced increasing discrimination and rights violations despite the law protecting women. What are your thoughts about the situation of women do you have any suggestions for a solution?

Despite the existing law and regulations, women still suffer from many problems. Women are forced to give up their rights and remain silent against violence. Despite the achievements that Tunisian women have gained through their struggle since the independence of Tunisia, the rate of their participation in decision-making positions is very low. Tunisian women have been subjected to all forms of violence and suffered from poverty and unemployment. Women need to struggle and fight to change the mindset preventing them from improving. They should struggle for their political existence.

“Gender-based violence increased sevenfold”

According to the Ministry of Women and Family Affairs, the number of cases of violence has increased sevenfold during the lockdowns imposed in Tunisia due to the Covid-19 pandemic. What does the union do to support women victims of violence?

Tunisian women have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Women cannot find a job and face financial problems. The number of cases of gender-based violence has increased during the lockdowns. We have launched many awareness-raising campaigns. We have provided financial support to poor people. Our Listening and Counseling Center for Women Victims of Violence has provided counseling support to women victims of violence.

“Women should be protected”

One of the most common forms of violence in Tunisia is sexual harassment at the workplace. What kinds of activities does the union carry out against sexual harassment at the workplace?

We began to monitor this phenomenon, especially after we received many complaints from women in decision-making positions who were subjected to sexual harassment at the workplace. Tunisian women still need to change the mentality of society. Laws protecting women from all forms of violence should be implemented. Tunisian women should be protected in every sense.