Pioneers of Progress: Tunisian Women Leading the Fight for Equality and Democracy Throughout the Years

Fatma Zahra Delly

Female Tunisian activists, social workers, and politicians have been pivotal in pushing for gender equality throughout the years, from independence to today’s fight for democracy. This article aims to highlight the inspiring legacy of legal reforms by key female symbols, proving their enduring role in Tunisia’s journey toward justice and freedom.

Women Leading Tunisia’s Independence
During the 1950s, Tunisia was engaged in a fierce struggle for independence from French colonial rule, which culminated in the country's liberation in 1956. Women played a pivotal yet often under-recognized role in this nationalist movement, contributing significantly to the fight for freedom. Among the key figures was Bchira Ben Mrad, the founder of the Union of Muslim Women of Tunisia (UMWT) in 1936, the first NGO ever established in Tunisian history and one of the first women's organizations in the Arab world. She championed women's education and participation in the independence movement. Under her leadership, the UMWT organized literacy programs, empowering women with the tools needed to engage in the political struggle. Women across Tunisia distributed pamphlets, raised funds, and provided crucial logistical support, ensuring the success of protests.
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Women’s Fight Post Independence
Following Tunisia's independence in 1956, President Habib Bourguiba ushered in an era of modernization, marked by the groundbreaking Personal Status Code of the same year. This landmark legislation granted Tunisian women unprecedented rights in the Arab world, including the abolition of polygamy, the introduction of divorce laws, and the promotion of education and employment opportunities for women. During this transformative period, women's organizations, such as the National Union of Tunisian Women (UNFT), helped advance these reforms. They spearheaded literacy campaigns, vocational training programs, and initiatives to raise awareness about women's newly acquired legal rights. Furthermore, female social workers tirelessly implemented these progressive laws, ensuring that they became cornerstones of Tunisian society. Among the key figures of this era was Radhia Haddad, a pioneering feminist and politician who worked closely with Bourguiba to promote gender equality. In 1959, she became one of the first women elected to the Tunisian Parliament. Another notable figure, Fethia Mzali, focused her efforts on expanding women's access to education and employment. Together, these women and their organizations successfully championed the rights enshrined in the Personal Status Code.

Women’s Struggle for Equality Under Tyranny
During the Ben Ali era (1987–2011), Tunisia was marked by authoritarian rule under President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, characterized by limited freedoms and widespread repression. While the regime often touted women's rights as a propaganda tool to project a progressive image, activists faced significant challenges in their fight for genuine gender equality and democracy. For example, the Association Tunisienne des Femmes Démocrates (ATFD), led by prominent feminist Ahlem Belhaj, documented cases of gender-based violence and tirelessly pursued legal reforms. Moreover, organizations like Beity have provided essential services, including shelters and psychological support, for survivors of domestic violence. Meanwhile, other female activists focused on supporting political prisoners and their families, often at great personal risk. Among these brave individuals was Sihem Bensedrine, a journalist and human rights activist who exposed government abuses, despite facing harassment and persecution. Through their courage and resilience, these women not only challenged the authoritarian regime but also laid the groundwork for the eventual uprising that would topple Ben Ali in 2011.

Women Driving the Revolution
The Tunisian Revolution (2010–2011), ignited by the self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi in protest of systemic oppression, led to the ousting of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and the dawn of the country's democratic transition. During the Arab Spring, women were at the forefront of this historic movement, bravely playing a vital role in shaping its trajectory. On January 12, 2011, they participated en masse in demonstrations across cities like Tunis, Sidi Bouzid, and Kasserine, chanting slogans such as "Freedom, dignity, and equality!" and demanding an end to the authoritarian regime. Beyond the streets, female doctors and nurses set up makeshift clinics to treat those injured by police violence. For instance, organizations like the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women (ATFD) provided critical logistical support for medical aid efforts and meticulously documented human rights violations. Among the key figures of this period that stand out was Lina Ben Mhenni, a courageous blogger and activist whose firsthand accounts of abuses on her platform, “A Tunisian Girl”, amplified the voices of the marginalized and brought international attention to the forgotten victims. Similarly, Amira Yahyaoui, a dedicated human rights activist, tirelessly advocated for transparency and justice, both during and after the uprising. These contributions fueled the revolution's success in underscoring the indispensable role of women in Tunisia's pursuit of equality.
 
Women Shaping the Post-Revolution Legal Framework
The post-revolution transition period (2011–2014) in Tunisia was marked by instability and intense debates over the role of religion in the state, particularly concerning women's rights. Hence, as the country embarked on drafting a new constitution, female activists swiftly emerged as steadfast defenders of gender equality, ensuring that their hard-won rights were embedded in such a foundational document and safeguarded from conservative backlash. Women-led organizations, such as Aswat Nissa, played a pivotal role by training women to engage in politics and in the making of the constitution. To counter attempts by conservative factions to roll back women's rights, they partook in organizing protests and campaigns. Among the key figures leading these efforts was Bochra Belhaj Hmida, a prominent lawyer and feminist who tirelessly advocated for gender equality during the constitutional drafting process. Equally influential was Mehrezia Labidi, a politician and member of the Constituent Assembly, who showed the world her diligence in ensuring that women's rights were explicitly protected in the new constitution. Their collective efforts not only secured significant legal advancements for women but also reinforced Tunisia's position as a regional leader in gender equality and democratic progress.
 
Women as Champions of Change Amid Political Instability
Since the 2011 revolution, Tunisia has made more and more significant strides in advancing women's rights, yet challenges such as gender-based violence (GBV) and unequal representation in the workforce persist. In response, female activists have not ceased pushing for legal reforms and ensuring the enforcement of existing protections. To cite a few, the Association Tunisienne des Femmes Démocrates (ATFD), under the leadership of Ahlem Belhaj, has been instrumental in this fight, providing critical services such as legal aid, shelters, and psychological support for survivors of gender-based violence. Their advocacy culminated in the landmark Law 58, “2017 law”, criminalizing domestic violence, a major victory for women's rights in Tunisia. Yet another key figure in this ongoing struggle is Wided Bouchamaoui, who, as head of the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade, and Handicrafts (UTICA), championed women's economic empowerment. Her leadership in the National Dialogue Quartet, which played a pivotal role in stabilizing Tunisia's democratic transition, earned the group the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015. Such work remains vital to ensuring a more inclusive and equitable future not only for women but for all Tunisians, given the importance of women’s role in society.
 
Women Leading Through the Pandemic
Since 2019, Tunisia has undergone the COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately affected women. In 2019, 23 percent of the inactive population consisted of female workers located in urban areas with no educational certificate. Women-led organizations like the (ATFD) distributed food baskets, masks, and hygiene kits to low-income families, particularly women-headed households. The Beity Association, offers psychological support for women in distress. Meanwhile, Aswat Nissa called for the implementation of Law No. 51 on 17 June 2020 one year after its adoption. Key figures like Sana Ben Achour, a legal scholar and activist, and Basma Khalfaoui, a human rights advocate, tirelessly worked to protect women’s rights and promote justice. Through their efforts, Tunisian women have not only mitigated immediate crises but also driven long-term systemic change, ensuring their voices remain central to the nation’s recovery and progress.
 
To conclude, Tunisian women have been the heartbeat of their nation’s progress, from independence to today’s fight for equality. Their courage, leadership, and unwavering resolve continue to light the path toward a more just and inclusive future for Tunisia and the whole world.

About the Author
Fatma Zahra Delly is an intern in IFI's Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Regional Hub.