Ikhlas Al-Hamrouni

Tunis – Two Tunisian journalists agreed that covering women’s issues is not about defending a specific group, but about defending society as a whole, because strengthening women’s presence in the media reinforces the values of equality and justice and supports the process of social development.

Every year, discussions about the situation of women in Tunisia are renewed during occasions related to women’s rights, most notably March 8, International Women’s Day. However, many journalists, activists, and media professionals stress that these issues should not remain confined to seasonal or symbolic coverage. The reality of women’s lives—whether in cities or rural areas—presents daily challenges that require constant media attention, keeping them present in public debate.

Journalist Huda Jouini, director of the community radio station “Kabsa FM” in the governorate of Gafsa, says that “women’s issues in Tunisia differ depending on geographical and social contexts, but they share many common points.” She explained that women in rural areas face challenges mainly related to working conditions in the agricultural sector and economic vulnerability, in addition to limited access to healthcare services and difficulties integrating into social protection systems.

Differences in Challenges Between Cities and Rural Areas

She noted that challenges in cities may take different forms but are no less significant. Issues such as violence against women, harassment, and unemployment—particularly in interior regions—remain prominent. Despite the legislative progress Tunisia has achieved compared to many Arab countries through laws designed to protect women’s rights, the biggest challenge, she said, lies in the actual implementation of these laws on the ground.

Huda Jouini emphasized that “women’s issues are not temporary or linked to a specific occasion; they are a daily reality for women.” Therefore, she believes media coverage should be continuous, providing space for women to express their opinions and experiences while highlighting the issues affecting their everyday lives.

She argued that limiting these issues to specific occasions diminishes their importance and turns them into symbolic topics rather than serious social matters deserving real attention. She called for greater media focus on the situation of women working in informal sectors—especially agriculture—where their conditions have remained unchanged for years.

She also stressed the need to highlight the wage gap between women and men, as well as issues related to mental, sexual, and reproductive health, in addition to women’s access to decision-making positions as a key issue that requires deeper and continuous coverage.

According to Jouini, these topics should not be raised only when a particular incident occurs, during election periods, or as part of temporary coverage. Instead, they should be addressed regularly and consistently to reveal their true dimensions and direct impact on women’s lives and society. Daily media coverage of women’s issues, she said, helps present a more realistic and diverse picture of women’s situations and contributes to breaking stereotypes that often reduce women to limited roles.

The Role of Media in Raising Awareness

She added that consistent media coverage of women’s issues brings journalists closer to women’s everyday realities and helps them better understand the details of their lives. It also sheds light on success stories that often remain invisible.

Such stories reveal the vital role women play across various fields, including the economy, culture, and social life, as well as their contribution to advancing development within society.

Jouini believes that the main benefit of this type of coverage lies in raising public awareness and supporting the principle of genuine equality between women and men. This awareness can also encourage policymakers to adopt more equitable policies and legislation for women.

She stressed that highlighting women’s experiences can inspire other women—whom she described as the “silent majority”—to demand their rights and strengthen their presence in the public sphere.

Cyber Violence and Real-World Challenges

For her part, journalist Tabra Chibani from the Tunisian Radio in Medenine believes that women’s issues in rural and urban areas are fundamentally similar, despite some differences in detail. She pointed out that violence in its various forms remains one of the most pressing issues requiring media attention.

She added, “Forms of violence are no longer limited to economic, physical, or verbal abuse. They have extended into the digital space, where cyber violence has become a growing phenomenon affecting women in both cities and rural areas.”

Addressing these challenges, she noted, requires the combined efforts of various actors, including the media.

Like Jouini, Chibani emphasized that media coverage of women’s issues should not be occasional or tied to specific events but should instead be continuous and consistent, reflecting the reality of these issues and following their developments.

According to her, the media has significant potential to contribute to reducing violence against women and to raise awareness about issues affecting them more effectively.

She pointed out that many countries, including Tunisia, have relatively advanced legal frameworks for protecting women’s rights. However, the real challenge lies in enforcing these laws. Continuous media coverage, she said, can help support the implementation of such legislation and strengthen the protection of women.

She also called for encouraging women—especially those who are underrepresented in the media—to freely express their opinions and concerns, which would enhance their participation in public affairs and strengthen their active presence in society.

She concluded by stressing that women should not be confined to stereotypes or limited social roles. Instead, their contributions across all fields—including decision-making positions—must be recognized.