Tunisia — Thousands of women working in the agricultural sector in Tunisia are well aware of their rights. They demand the implementation of existing laws, a change in their situation, and official recognition—starting with listing their profession on the national identity card, as well as securing their legitimate rights, from health insurance to social security, and ultimately a salary that guarantees their dignity.

Women agricultural workers believe that International Women’s Day means nothing to them as long as legislation remains merely “ink on paper,” due to the absence of collective will to improve the conditions of these workers who contribute significantly to ensuring food security in Tunisia.

They often repeat the phrase: “We are not begging, and we do not want charity from anyone—we want our rights.” This stance reflects a genuine awareness whose signs began to emerge in 2018, when they formed their own union independently and began a struggle for their rights—rights whose light will eventually shine, no matter how long justice is delayed, as the workers say.

To learn more about the demands of women agricultural workers, their marginalized stories, and their roles—and how International Women’s Day passes for them after years of struggle marked by sacrifices and even bloodshed, yet without any change in their conditions despite the extensive legal framework—our agency conducted the following interview with Ahlam Al-Wahibi, a worker in the agricultural sector in Tunisia.

Interview by: Zuhour Al-Mashriqi.