Kvinna till Kvinna has supported women’s rights in Tunisia since 2016. During the Jasmin revolution, Tunisians marched to end years of one-party rule. In the atmosphere of hope that followed, former women’s rights organisations resumed their activities and new ones were built.
Since then, civil society has been at the forefront of promoting human rights and democracy. Today, we strengthen and support two Tunisian organisations working on women’s economic empowerment in the country.
After Tunisia’s independence in 1956, the country positioned itself as a stronghold for women’s rights in the region. New laws gave women the right to vote and run for office, required their consent to marriage and ensured equal access to divorce. Reforms were so extensive that some observers talked of “state feminism.”
Today, however, conservatism, economic decline and an ongoing consolidation of power has resulted in the rolling back of women’s rights, undoing decades of progress. As a result, women in Tunisia continue to experience high levels of gender-based violence, including economic gender-based violence. This is particularly true beyond the major cities in rural areas.
In recent years, the shrinking civic space for civil society in Tunisia has resulted in an increase in arrests and muzzling of women human rights defenders and women activists. Online gender-based violence has been reported as a deliberate attack to push women to disengage from Tunisian civil society and political life.
Together with our partner organisations Aswat Nissa and Beity, we:
A network of 150 female agricultural workers from different regions have undergone a capacity-building program to enhance their knowledge of their socio-economic rights. These women have completed training programs, including sessions on Law 58 concerning the elimination of violence against women, leadership, communication, and their socio-economic rights.
Over the past few months, the racist and divisive rhetoric expressed by Tunisia’s president has sparked a series of violent attacks against black communities and migrants. As those most marginalised within the black community bear the brunt of these attacks, civil society is stepping up to advocate for their rights and provide protection.
14 April 2023
In Tunisia, women who want to fight gender discrimination are participating in our partner Aswat Nissa’s political academy. Here, Nawrez Ellafi and Sihem Ben Ali share what the political academy has meant for them and their struggle to create a more equal society.
9 October 2018
In Tunisia, our partner organisation Aswat Nissa works to strengthen women politicians through their Political Academy for Women Candidates.
4 May 2018