ZIHUR AL-MEŞRIQÎ

Tunisia – Tunisian women have participated in political, social, economic, and cultural struggle and they have become a symbol of struggle in defending their rights. Their struggle never ends. Women standing against the traditions ignoring them to keep struggling in every sphere of life.

The Article 46 of the Tunisian Constitution states that women and men are equal and that equality must be protected. According to the constitution, women have the right to vote and be elected just like men in Tunisia. They can run for the country’s general elections. However, despite these secured rights, Tunisian women are still struggling for full equality. Women cannot participate sufficiently in the political sphere, and women have become the targets of male violence.

In the last presidential elections, only two women were nominated as candidates against 26 male candidates. While the representation of women in the parliament was 36% in the previous term, the rate of female representation is now 23%. In the country where politics is mostly dominated by men, women rise against traditions and continue to take part in politics and governmental organizations.

Participating in active politics is the reason for violence

The authorities of the Tunisian Ministry of Interior state that they are definitely against physical, psychological, and even economic violence against women in the political sphere. But despite the statement of the ministry, there has been an increase in violence against women. Women particularly interested in politics become targets of violence. Increasing violence is one of the main factors preventing women from active participation in politics. For this reason, the number of applications by women to the courts has increased. Those who use violence against women are in fear lately. Women call on NGOs in order to end the violence against female politicians and they express their concern.

Women launch a campaign

Tunisian women have launched a campaign called, “Me too” to discuss gender discrimination, harassment, and violence against women.

 “Some discussions and arguments can arise due to the different ideological views of some women representatives in the parliament. This type of behavior undoubtedly makes men more arrogant. The important thing is that women defend their rights in every field and develop solutions. Equality between men and women should be ensured,” said Însaf Dêf Elah, one of the activists.

What is different is being destroyed

Dr. Salwa Al-Sharafi is an academic specialist in media and communication. She spoke to our news agency. She stated that violence is used not only against female politicians but also against all politicians regardless of gender. “The view saying ‘Those who think differently must be destroyed, killed’ is dominated now. The disease started there. Its treatment can be provided through primary education, social media campaigns, and artistic breakthroughs. And it can be achieved by changing the mentalities and the constitution,” said Dr. Salwa Al-Sharafi.

There are many forms of violence

“The reason for the violence against female politicians is the male-dominated mentality; because the number of male representation in every sphere of life is more than women. Male representatives work in the commissions, ministries, and all other organizations of the government and this shows how they are everywhere. The male mentality always seeks to undermine women’s building role. This is what is happening despite the 58th article of the constitution that prohibits violence, which was adopted on August 11, 2017,” said Rîm Bin Xelîfe, a policy reporter covering women's cases.

Mentioning that there are many forms of violence, Rîm Bin Xelîfe said, “Women have faced online harassment, they have been humiliated by men trying to prove cultural-social norms. In this regard, the media stands by the male-dominated ruling power; they try to blacken women and to move them away from their struggle.”

“Social media normalizes violence”

Sociologist Sabrîn Acrodî also stated that violence against women has generally become a cultural fact and an ordinary situation of life. Sabrîn Acrodî showed the main reason for violence as education and she said, “Another reason is the violent videos and images shared on social media by people. That's why social media plays a big role in the acceptance and normalization of violence. Violence becomes a part of life.

“Article 58 of the Constitution, adopted in 2017, rejects all forms of violence and humiliation against women. This article includes all kinds of violence against women. Insisting on the implementation of this article will ensure the status and rights of women and protect women from all forms of violence,” said lawyer and judge Necla Bin Ramadan.