Ikhlas Al-Hamrouni

Tunisia — Participants unanimously agreed that empowering women and raising their awareness of their rights and responsibilities is essential to strengthening their pivotal role within the family, ensuring its stability, and reinforcing social cohesion. They also stressed the importance of spreading awareness of women’s rights and enabling them to access legal protection mechanisms.

As part of efforts to enhance community awareness about the dangers of violence against women and its negative impact on family cohesion, the local branch of the National Union of Tunisian Women in Mornag, in partnership with the Delegation for Women, Family and Childhood Affairs and the Mornag Cultural Center, organized an awareness day under the slogan: “Violence Against Women… A Path to Family Breakdown.”

The event was held on Friday, November 28, at the Cultural Center, with the participation of several specialists from various fields. It offered a broad space for open dialogue and discussion among attendees to exchange views and experiences, and to strengthen collective awareness of the need to combat all forms of violence within the family. The day aimed to promote a culture of respect, support women, and reinforce family bonds to preserve social cohesion.

 

“Women are the Pillar of the Family, and Awareness Is Key to Confronting Violence”

In her opening speech, Aya Al-Olaqi, head of the local branch of the Women’s Union in Mornag, emphasized the efforts made to reduce domestic violence. She noted that choosing the theme of the family was no coincidence, as women are its essential foundation. With the rise in violence, the issue has shifted from an individual concern to a broader social problem, requiring practical solutions and constructive proposals to address this negative phenomenon and ensure the upbringing of a balanced and stable generation.

Speaking to our agency, Aya Al-Olaqi said the event coincided with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, stressing that the meeting covered legal, religious, and social aspects to provide an integrated approach that helps deepen awareness. “The discussion addressed Law 58 on combating violence against women, and details were presented on its provisions and the mechanisms for legal protection available to women.”

She added that her lectures focused on instilling values of mutual respect among children and youth to ensure the development of a generation capable of contributing to nation-building. She also explained the relationship between women and the family, and their central role in its stability, while highlighting the vital contribution of associations and organizations in supporting awareness campaigns.

“Women are the pillar of the family; the more emotionally and psychologically balanced she is, the more stable the family becomes—and the stronger its foundations

Understanding Violence Must Begin by Clarifying Its Dimensions”

Dr. Monjia Souayhi, professor and researcher in the fields of violence, gender-based violence, and reproductive health, delivered a lecture titled “Violence Against Women: Approaches to Addressing It.” She explained that understanding violence must begin by clarifying its dimensions, noting that it is not limited to physical abuse, but also includes verbal, social, economic, and political violence, as well as bullying—and extends to violence against women working in agriculture.

She stated, “Women working in agriculture go out every day in overcrowded trucks and work long hours for minimal pay, then return home to bear the full burden of household and childcare responsibilities. These women face extreme levels of violence, and their harsh reality must be recognized.”

Regarding the causes of violence, Dr. Souayhi emphasized that poverty, ignorance, customs, and traditions are among the main drivers of its spread. She also pointed to the misinterpretation of certain religious texts: “One example commonly misunderstood is a man claiming he is ‘guardian over the woman,’ whereas guardianship is tied to financial responsibility and fulfilling duties—not domination or harm.”

She also addressed digital violence, noting that 98% of women worldwide experience some form of online abuse, including extortion, defamation, and harmful content produced through the misuse of artificial intelligence. She stressed that this growing threat demands serious awareness and a firm rejection of all forms of violence.

“Women’s freedom and their right to express their opinions is a fundamental right.”

Shahd Al-Trabelsi, a ninth-grade student, presented a collection of reflections portraying her daily experiences and observations about the reality of women. She explained that her participation stemmed from what she lives and notices every day, which motivates her to write. She pointed out that her repeated feeling that women are often subjected to humiliation or devaluation was the main reason behind her writing. “Women have the right to freely express their opinions,” she said, rejecting the notion that a woman cannot perform certain tasks without a man’s presence, considering such an assumption completely incorrect.

She added that no one has the right to control women’s choices or restrict their freedom, for they are active partners in society and fully entitled to express their opinions and live according to their convictions.

The Importance of Strengthening Collective Awareness

The awareness day included an extended discussion session delivered by the speakers, focusing on Law No. 58 related to combating violence against women, where they explained its provisions and mechanisms of implementation on the ground.

The attendees emphasized that raising awareness about the law is a fundamental step in enabling women to claim their rights and use legal protection mechanisms when needed. They stressed that a woman’s knowledge of her rights and duties contributes to her protection within her family and community.

The discussion also addressed the pivotal role of women within the family. The speakers clarified that women are not merely secondary members; they are the backbone of the family and responsible for instilling values of mutual respect and proper upbringing of children. They also affirmed that a woman’s awareness of her rights and duties directly reflects on the stability of the family and strengthens emotional and social bonds among its members, which contributes to reducing violence and enhancing social cohesion.

Participants also presented examples of how women contribute to making daily family decisions and managing household resources fairly between spouses, while involving children in learning responsibility and mutual respect. They noted that legally and socially empowering women reinforces their status and guarantees their rights—positively impacting family and community development—while any attempt to diminish their role leads to family fragmentation and increased violence.