Tunisia is frequently cited as being at the forefront of women's rights in the Arab world because of the unique status of Tunisian women. More recently, they played a vital role during the democratic transition in the aftermath of the revolution. Since I took up my duties in Tunis, I have repeatedly observed the important place of Tunisian women in society and in the professional world. A growing number of women now occupy management positions at the highest levels of the civil service and the private sector.
Moreover, the indicators are promising: the country ranks 4th in terms of gender equality in the MENA region. However, could it be that these figures conceal a more nuanced reality and point out geographical and social disparity?
According to the Global Gender Gap report , the World Economic Forum's publication on gender inequality, out of a total of countries Tunisia's ranking in terms of gender equality dropped from 90th to th between and The trend in the overall index is reflected in the sub-indices. Tunisia thus moves from the 97th to the nd position in terms of economic participation and work opportunities, from the 76th to the th position in terms of education and from the 53rd to the 67th position in terms of political participation.
Despite this seemingly good performance compared to other MENA countries, the trend in Tunisia is alarming, achievements are fragile and the road to equality remains long.
Unemployment affects women twice as much Moreover, only Despite their academic achievements, young women suffer from poor integration into economic life. Other factors impede women's economic inclusion and empowerment, such as the lack of affordable and quality support systems for mothers struggling to reconcile work and family, labor laws, domestic violence, and the prevalence of more conservative attitudes and values than the PSC's progressiveness may suggest.
