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Equal pay for equal work for Tunisian women since 1957
The situation of women in Tunisia has become a model in the African and Arab-Muslim worlds. The achievements of this small country have been recognized during the latest Women World Forum at the United Nations in New York. Tunisia is different from its neighbors and from much of the Arab Muslim world in its accomplishments toward women’s rights. This difference, said Leila Khaiat, president of the Tunisian chamber of Women Business Owners, can be attributed to “our leader Bourguiba. He recognized that the passage to a modern society would naturally entail giving rights to women. This message was well accepted and all participated to make this a success.”
The current status of Tunisian women is the result of a progressive policy first started by President Habib Bourguiba at the outset of independence and built upon by the current president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. In 1956, Bourguiba ushered in a new social era with the Code of Personal Status placing the status of women among the highest in the world. The code is still unique among the Arab Muslim countries. This text was revolutionary for its time not only for Tunisia but also for the rest of the world. It abolished polygamy, established judicial divorce proceedings granting both spouses the right to request divorce. It set the minimum age for marriage at 17 for girls and provided that they must consent to the marriage. It also granted the right of custody of the minor children to the mother in case of the father’s death.
In 1987, with the change of presidency from Bourguiba to Ben Ali, women were waiting with anxiety to see whether their rights would remain the same. Mrs. Khaiat describes the general atmosphere, “On Nov. 7 1987, women were concerned about their destiny. We were relieved when President Ben Ali consolidated women’s rights in Tunisia. Indeed, the emergence of women in the economic arena is a direct result of a political will of the New Era. Ben Ali’s new government has put in place a program whereby the complementary competencies of men, women and youth will become the instruments to propel Tunisia dynamism and competitiveness on the world market.”
Aside from civil rights, the women’s cause was furthered by a number of measures in different areas. Maternal health care was made more readily available to remote rural areas. Education is often the vehicle through which women can move forward, and in Tunisia improvements have been phenomenal in a short period of time. Illiteracy has been nearly eradicated, a successful measure that earned the country the 1994 UNESCO prize for literacy. Girls now account for 48 percent of the total number of students in higher education. Girls also benefit from vocational training. For example, girls represented 48 percent of skilled technical graduates in 1996.
Changing the composition of the labor force
With better access to education, women are entering the workforce in record numbers. In 1975, 21 percent of women between the ages of 25 to 29 worked outside the home. In 1997, that number had climbed to 36 percent. Tunisian women are now present in all sectors of activity. There are 2,000 women heads of business enterprises; 1,500 women farmers; and countless policewomen, attorneys and doctors.
The Tunisian Women’s Chamber of Commerce regroups women entrepreneurs. The chamber started in 1990 with 200 members. Today it has 1,000 members representing all sectors of the economy. The objectives of the chamber are to promote women entrepreneurship, to defend women entrepreneurs within the public sector, to train and educate them, to assist in market access and to organize international fairs. Expo femina is the latest program initiated by the chamber. It was originally an exposition aimed at promoting the “made in Tunisia by women entrepreneurs” label. Once again, Tunisia has proven its leadership skills in furthering the cause of women. Expo Femina has now become an international affair. Women from more than 16 countries displayed their products and services at last year’s fair.
A good example of the achievements of women entrepreneurs in Tunisia is Maille fil, a cotton spinning company owned and managed by the Bouchamaoui sisters. With a strategy anchored on three fronts — quality, equipment and training programs for the labor force — the sisters have been able to carve a niche for their business. High-end designers, such as the children’s clothes manufacturer Petit Bateau of France, are now using their cotton. Amel, one of the owners, was educated in the United States. She remembers that her classmates were always surprised to hear that women in Tunisia have been getting the same wages as men for equal work for the past 40 years. She equates the status of women in her country to that of women in the most developed countries. “Protective policies are in place. Women get a 30-day maternity leave. Women cannot work in the mill during the night shift. What has been enacted as law is implemented. Opportunities for women are the same as for men.” Always looking forward, Tunisia is now trying to get rid of the stereotypical view of the women participating in the labor pool as hairdressers and stylists. Women are assuming a diversity of activities and positions in each sector of the economy. Girls attending schools are not satisfied with just their bachelor’s degrees; they are now looking to get their doctorates. Women are also more active in the association and political arena. Tunisia now has four female cabinet ministers.
A Tunisian woman chosen as spokesperson for women of the world
Mrs. Khaiat is the embodiment of the status of women in Tunisia. She is not only the chief executive officer of a group of companies in the textile sector and the president of the Tunisian Chamber of Women Business Owners but also was recently chosen as president of the World Association of Women Entrepreneurs, the FCEM (Femmes chefs d’entreprises mondiales in French.)
French owner and operator of a steel works, Madame Foinant founded the FCEM in 1945. This association aims at furthering the cause of women entrepreneurs in more than 35 countries by organizing forums, providing networking opportunities and support to its more than 30,000 members. To become a member, women must qualify as the head of a business. They must own or control a company whether they operate alone, or with co-directors or with members of their family. The defining criterion is that they have capital at risk and are financially responsible for their business commitment.
The FCEM has a consultative status at the United Nations, and Mrs. Khaiat noted, “This association needs to be better known so as to further the cause of women entrepreneurs around the world.” Mrs. Khaiat is an active promoter of female entrepreneurial initiatives at the national, regional and international levels.
Although women in Tunisia have one of the highest statuses in the world, they are still fighting for the same causes as women in the United States and other developed nations.
The notion of a glass ceiling is not specifically known here but the experiences of women suggest that it does exist. Mrs. Khaiat noted, “I think the glass ceiling exists in Tunisia. In spite of the obvious political will, the mentalities of the people have not followed at the same rhythm. I travel all over the world and I have come to realize that this is a global challenge. Women are still the minority in decision-making positions due mostly to prejudices.”
The challenges still facing the Tunisian women are similar to those facing women entrepreneurs around the world. In a message intended for the attendees of the 47th World Congress of the World Association Women entrepreneurs, first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton summarized the challenges that lie ahead for women around the world as follows: “If they [women] are to succeed, they must be given tools of opportunity-access to capital, training and encouragement.”
Tunisia continues to lead the way with respect to women’s rights. President Ben Ali recently enacted revolutionary laws that exist in very few countries. As an example, the nationality code stipulates that the mother can give her nationality to her children.” Asked what her hopes for the future are, Mrs. Khaiat responded, “I would hope that Tunisia would continue on its current path of political and social stability, dynamism and development. I hope that Tunisia will remain what it is, a country that believes in democracy and freedom for all.”
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Table of Contents A crash course in 3000 years of world history |
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In Tunisia, women account for 48 percent of university students, 12 percent of senior business executives, 21 percent of civil service employees, 23 percent of magistrates, 35 percent of doctors and 63 percent of pharmacists. The situation of women in this country where 98 percent of the population is Muslim is a big surprise for first-time visitors. During a visit to Tunisia in 1999, Hillary Rodham Clinton commented “I am very much impressed by the gains accomplished by Tunisia in favor of women.” Tunisia shatters all expectations and preconceived ideas regarding the place and the role of women in a Muslim country. No veiled women hide behind massive wooden doors here. A walk down the streets of Tunis ought to convert any remaining skeptics. Young women dressed in the latest Western fashions stroll down Avenue Bourguiba, the hub of the downtown, with a self-assurance that rivals that of women in most Western countries.
Ben Ali announced new amendments that were enacted by the Chamber of Deputies in July 1993. Among those were the creation of a fund to guarantee payment of child support and alimony to divorced women and their children.