Women's and Family Day – August 13, 2024

Women’s and Family Day – August 13, 2024

Women’s and Family Day

Women’s and Family Day is celebrated on August 13 in Tunisia. This day honors the rights of Tunisian women, recognized through the adoption of the Code of Personal Status. It’s a day to celebrate all women—grandmothers, mothers, and daughters—highlighting their progress in achieving gender equality in social roles, careers, and opportunities. It’s also an important time to pass on these values to the younger generations who will shape Tunisia’s future.

History of Women’s and Family Day

We can all agree that women’s rights have made significant progress, though achieving full gender equality in all areas of society remains a work in progress. The journey of women breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and paving the way for future generations is remarkable. In Tunisia, the national feminist movement has been particularly unique, especially within the Arab region. The struggle for justice and equality saw a significant victory in 1956 when a series of laws were passed to protect women’s rights.

The Code of Personal Status, a landmark bill for gender equality, was enacted to address issues of sexism and misogyny. It took effect on January 1, 1957, under Tunisian Prime Minister and future President Habib Bourguiba. This code not only granted Tunisian women a special status compared to other Arab countries but also abolished polygamy, provided women with exclusive rights in marriage, allowed them to file for divorce through judicial procedures, and required mutual consent for marriage. However, the code did not fully achieve equality, particularly in areas like joint ownership of family inheritance and assets. Religious leaders opposed these reforms, but President Bourguiba and his successors remained steadfast.

In the 1990s, progressive amendments were made to the code, including the removal of a law requiring wives to always obey their husbands, which was criticized as unjust and sexist.

In 2017, President Beji Caid Essebsi marked the first Women’s and Family Day in Tunisia, with a focus on eliminating gender bias from the Inheritance Law.

Women’s and Family Day timeline

Women’s and Family Day FAQs

Is polygamy still prohibited in Tunisia?
Yes, polygamy has been illegal in Tunisia since 1957.

What is the divorce rate in Tunisia?
An alarming 82% of couples file for divorce during their first year of marriage, making Tunisia one of the countries with the highest divorce rates in the world.

Can Tunisian women run for a government position?
Yes, Tunisian women have had the right to run for office since 1959.

Women’s and Family Day Activities

1. Send your mom a card
Celebrate this day by showing your love for the first woman we all cherish: our moms! Send her a card and a flower to express your appreciation for her love and sacrifices over the years.

2. Go on a girl’s night out
Invite your friends to enjoy a fun evening together with good food and drinks! It’s a great opportunity to relax and have a great time with the girls.

3. Learn your rights
Women’s rights have been hard-won over many decades. Take the time to educate yourself about your rights and privileges as a woman.

5 Interesting Facts About Tunisian Women’s Rights

The 2014 Tunisian Constitution
It guarantees that men and women have equal rights and duties without discrimination.

Majority of Tunisians favor this
A 2018 Afrobarometer survey found that 67% of Tunisians support including women in politics.

Tunisian women outnumber men
In 2022, there were 5.96 million Tunisian women compared to 5.86 million men.

Women’s employment is a work in progress
Despite progress toward gender equality, only 30% of Tunisian women are employed.

Eliminating Violence Against Women
A law passed in 2017 introduced criminal provisions and penalties for those who commit domestic violence.

Why We Love Women’s and Family Day

A. It’s time for women to rule
This holiday is perfectly timed for our global political climate. We should encourage women to take on leadership roles in all government sectors. It’s their moment to lead.

B. We support gender equality
Gender equality represents true justice. Everyone should have equal rights, regardless of sex or gender identity.

C. We aspire to be progressive
It’s time to eliminate discrimination once and for all. We should strive for progress, both as nations and individuals, and work to end all bigoted practices.