By Naziha Bousaidi – Tunis

In recent days, Tunisia has witnessed the suspension of the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women, followed by other rights organizations with social dimensions, such as the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights. Over the past years, several organizations have also complained about restrictions and deprivation of their annual government grants, including the Union of Women, the Union of Workers, and the Union of Farmers.

In this context, Radhia Jerbi, president of the National Union of Tunisian Women, said:

“About two days ago, news began circulating about the freezing of several associations, the first being the Association of Democratic Women, which was founded in the 1980s. As president of a women’s organization, I firmly believe that women’s associative work is a noble mission, especially since women in Tunisia—and in all Arab and world countries—remain the weakest link, though to varying degrees, and therefore require much support and effort to advance their rights.”

As vice president of the International Council of Women, which operates globally, Jerbi added that she realized how women everywhere face numerous challenges and violations, which compels the council to advocate for their advancement. Hence, “every organization that serves women is an asset, as it struggles for women’s rights.”

She noted that while the Association of Democratic Women was somewhat elitist at its inception, the Union represents a broader popular movement that addresses women from all social backgrounds. Yet, “even the elite need defenders. The association has recently tackled many issues affecting all women, such as those in rural areas.”

Jerbi emphasized that “the association has the right to exist, and its activists have the right to a space where they feel represented. What they don’t find in our organization, they have the right to seek elsewhere. Any harm done to this association is an attack on women’s rights,” she declared, expressing full solidarity with it.

Regarding Decree 88 of 2011, which regulates associations, Jerbi said:

“This decree came to replace Law No. 59, which previously governed associations. I opposed it from the very beginning, and I was the only one to do so, as a women’s organization leader, because the first to suffer from it was the Union itself.”

Suspension Harms Victims of Violence

Jerbi criticized the new law regulating associations. Although it was seen as an achievement because it transferred oversight from the Ministry of Interior to the Prime Minister’s Office, it nonetheless contained gaps that harmed women’s organizations. Under the previous law, associations were classified according to their specialization, whereas the new framework made founding associations extremely easy. This led to an explosion in their numbers—some even became involved in terrorism—and allowed many to receive foreign funding without proper oversight. “Now, any entity can work temporarily on gender issues, ending its activity once funding stops,” she remarked.

The decree requires associations to declare foreign funding within a month to the Secretary-General of the Government. However, since July 25, a campaign has been launched to combat corruption and trace these funds without effective implementation. If an association fails to declare its funding, it receives a warning; failure to respond leads to suspension, and eventually, dissolution if the issue remains unresolved.

Jerbi expressed hope that the Association of Democratic Women would be able to rectify its situation and resume its work in serving women’s causes. She regretted that the suspension came just before the UN campaign to combat violence against women in November, praising the association’s contribution to enacting Law No. 58, its support for victims of violence through shelters and counseling centers, and its work in awareness and research.

She voiced concern over the fate of women benefiting from these services, calling for an additional warning before dissolution. She stressed that women’s rights require broad support, especially amid the economic and social crises that have worsened women’s suffering through unemployment and exploitation—so severe that the Ministry of Women has described some cases as “a form of slavery.”

Jerbi pointed out that every political crisis in Tunisia is used as a pretext to reopen debates about the Personal Status Code, including issues such as polygamy, divorce through notaries, and the abolition of alimony—threatening the hard-won achievements since 1956. She said the revolution was political and against corruption but did not bring about a cultural or intellectual shift; instead, post-revolution actors tried to revive regressive ideas, prompting her to resist them.

She concluded that women today need the support of all associations, as indicators show regression rather than progress in their status. She cited examples such as the increasing rate of early divorces caused by physical and financial exploitation, restrictions on visiting families, and violence when refusing exploitation. “Women’s conditions demand collective effort,” she said, expressing hope that the crisis surrounding the Association of Democratic Women would soon be resolved.

Where Is the Minister?

Jerbi also revealed that the National Union of Tunisian Women has been struggling since 2017 to obtain its government grant, even though it was listed in the Official Gazette in some years. Despite a special decree issued last year to facilitate the grant’s disbursement, it was still not received. They were verbally informed that they would not get it next year either.

The union has not received any support for over three years, and Jerbi said she was asked to reduce staff by 75%, yet no alternative measures were taken—despite the government’s responsibility to ensure their financial and family stability.

She stressed that the funding crisis affects not only the Union of Women but also the Union of Farmers and the Union of Workers, with serious repercussions. She called on the government to act calmly and recognize the value of the organizations that helped build the country—among them, the women’s organization that fought colonialism.

Finally, Jerbi questioned the role of the Minister of Women, asking whether the ministry alone could address all women’s issues in Tunisia—from rural workers to professionals, and all children—criticizing the lack of coordination despite the fact that each organization has a unit dedicated to women’s affairs.