Tunis, 13 August 2022 (TDI): National Women’s Day is celebrated throughout Tunisia on 13 August. Every year Tunisians celebrate this day with joy and happiness.
For many people, it’s a day for acknowledging what they have achieved for women’s rights so far. For some, it is an occasion to recognize and continue the fight against challenges that still exist today creating gender inequality.
Historical Overview
More than six decades ago, Tunisia gained Independence from France in 1956. After becoming an Independent state, Tunisia adopted progressive laws that supported women’s rights.
As compared to the Middle Eastern countries, Tunisia has very progressive women’s legislation. In 1956, the Tunisian Code of Personal Status was introduced.
National Women’s day commemorates the promulgation of a series of women’s rights that were established within the Code of Personal Status on this day.
These were a series of laws that gave women equal rights. This Code addressed issues regarding divorce, polygamy, decisions of marriage, and child custody.
In Tunisia, women have the right to seek office, vote, and travel with their kids without the father’s permission. However, over the years many have tried challenging these laws in the name of cultural norms and religion.
Even recently Article 28; which describes women’s role as complementary in a family as to men, faced opposition from different sectors.
Despite these hurdles, National women’s day is celebrated with joy by a number of people in the form of various rallies throughout the country.
Also read: US issues statement on Tunisian Referendum
Tribute to the women of Tunisia
Tunisia has arranged a stamp exhibition from 11 to 14 August 2022. This exhibition aims to pay tribute to Tunisian women and mark National Women’s Day.
This exhibition honors twenty-two Tunisian women from various fields that distinguished themselves in different eras.
For instance, the Berber Warrior Queen, All-Kahina, in the seventh century led her people against the Arab invasion.
These also include Fatma Haddad, the first Tunisian woman to hold a state doctorate in philosophy, and Azza Hammou, the first Tunisian female doctor in pediatric radiology.
Student of International Relations at Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore. A Cinephile and a history enthusiast who looks forward to learn new and interesting things everyday!
