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Support for Tunisian Women fighting for gender equality



While Tunisian women engaged with courage and determination in the struggle to build a democratic society, they are now facing incessant attempts to challenge their recent gains from the reactionary forces.



If adopted, draft article 28, which contains a paternalistic view by introducing a notion of “complementarity” between women and men, will mark a regression compared to the current status of Tunisian women. It would go against their legitimate struggle for full equality. The political transition that Tunisia is going through offers unprecedented opportunities to consolidate existing women’s rights, as well as making more progress. Much needed progress particularly with regards to health rights, teaching, education, employment, and access to decision-making organisations, dignity and parental authority.



We as members of the Women’s Committee of zone IV UNI Europa, which includes a large number of professional associations of the largest trade union confederations in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, welcome the willingness of the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT) to make women’s rights a priority for action, and to combat all forms of discrimination.



We bring our support and our solidarity to women’s organizations, to the Women’s Comission of the UGTT, and to all the organizations that are mobilizing across the country to require the inclusion of full equality between women and men under the Constitution currently being drafted.



Arlette Puraye Sabine Reynosa

President Secretary