As Tunisia approaches the sixth anniversary of the revolution that sparked the Arab Spring, political commentators have highlighted the role Tunisia has played as a catalyst for progress in the wider region. But the role played by women in guiding our country forward in the post-revolutionary era has gone relatively unnoticed. It’s time to set the record straight.
What women gained most from the Arab Spring was a voice. From protesting during the revolution to drafting the new constitution to reforming electoral laws, women have driven and facilitated progressive policies in Tunisia since 2011.
When it comes to women’s rights, Tunisia has long been considered as an example for its Arab neighbors. Today, it is a global leader. Women currently account for 31 percent of the country’s MPs, in comparison to an average female representation of 27 percent in the national parliaments of the European Union.
But, of course, there is more to be done.
Women had a political presence before the revolution, under the regime of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. But it was obvious then that their role was superficial and contingent on strict adherence to an unwritten code of conduct. Their public visibility primarily served to improve the image of the government.
What women gained most from the Arab Spring was a voice.
In the two parliamentary mandates that Tunisia has had since the revolution, things have been better. The percentage of female MPs now in the House of the People’s Representatives represents a record high, and their numbers grew in the most recent elections.
But, with the exception of nominations from Ennahda, the Muslim Democrats’ party, in which women make up 40 percent of the total MPs, the presence of women in executive roles has been disappointingly low.
In July, Prime Minister Habib Essid lost a vote of confidence and stepped down to make way for a unity government. The government transition is an opportunity to push women’s progress further. Indeed, incoming Prime Minister Youssef Chahed’s cabinet is an encouraging milestone, with a significant number of women in executive positions of responsibility: 23 percent of ministers and 19.5 percent of the new government consists of women. This is real progress.
The youngest member of the government is 29-year-old Sayida Ounissi, who was elected as an MP in 2014 and has now been nominated as state secretary in charge of private initiative in the Employment and Vocational Training Ministry.
Ennahda, currently the largest party in parliament, will have a powerful voice in the new administration and will ensure female parliamentarians are an essential part of the coalition.
The party has pushed for gender parity since the first democratic elections were held. It was instrumental in drafting a constitution — the most progressive in the region — that guaranteed the protection of women’s rights.
Last month, at the urging of Ennahda, Tunisia became the first Arab country to enact a law forbidding human trafficking and forced labor.
Today, it is championing legislation that would ban violence against women. Its success would be a testament to the progress Tunisia has made despite the many challenges it faces as it builds a new democracy and manages broader regional crises.
The party is also supporting a recently introduced reform that would ensure equal numbers of men and women at the head of party electoral lists.
Women have not only made themselves heard on gender issues and human rights. We are influential in a wide range of areas, from security to job creation and trade. We are also among the chief supporters of a proposed law, due to be voted on in the coming weeks, that will create a “code of investment” to attract foreign investors to Tunisia.
Ennahda’s founders believe female empowerment can and should be a driver of change. With Theresa May sworn in as the new prime minister in the United Kingdom and Hillary Clinton potentially months away from becoming the first female president of the United States, female leadership is unquestionably becoming a reality.
Tunisia has shown it is ready to join the ranks of countries led by strong women.
Tunisia has shown it is ready to join the ranks of countries led by strong women. The progress we have made is significant, and it has set a standard for North Africa and the Middle East. But it must also be protected.
Women’s work on social empowerment and human rights must be recognized and supported by the country’s leadership. A democratic vision for Tunisia rooted in our history, culture and values must also empower women and promote equality across all levels of society.
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The EU’s help will be vital in ensuring the cradle of the Arab Spring continues to be a beacon for forward-looking policies in the region. We urge European leaders to show support for the path Tunisia is on. We need their backing to strengthen our democracy and help guarantee respect for human rights, to support civil society, to fight terrorism, and to help us transform our economy and create jobs.
Tunisia has set a standard for the Middle East and North Africa, and can serve as an inspiration for other countries in the region to protect women’s rights and ensure that women are incorporated into all aspects of political life. The result will without question be mutually beneficial: a more peaceful future for all.
Mehrezia Labidi is head of the women and family committee in the Tunisian parliament and a member of the Ennahda party executive bureau in charge of relations with civil society.