ZOUHOUR MECHERGUI

 Tunisia- The rates of femicide and violence against women are on the rise in Tunisia. The killing of a woman by her husband in the street of Kairouan governorate, located in the center of Tunisia, nearly a month ago sparked debate about domestic violence femicide in the country.

Tunisian human rights lawyer Aya Al-Madab thinks that one of the reasons for the increase in violence against women is silence and the other reason is ineffective implementation of the law on the elimination of violence against women.

“The survivors of domestic violence prefer to remain silent in order to ‘protect their families’. Most of the survivors of domestic violence are killed or commit suicide after being subjected to psychological and physical violence. The long litigation process and its high cost prevent women from reporting violence against them. Violence has become a scourge that kills women in Tunisia. Unreported incidents, the long litigation process and the policy of impunity lead to the killing of women.”

‘Impunity encourages men’

Another reason for the increase in gender-based violence and femicide is the patriarchal mindset, Aya Al-Madab said.

On July 26, 2017, Tunisia made historic strides by passing its first national law (Law 58) to combat violence against women. “However, it has failed to implement Law 58. According to a report released by women’s organizations, femicide rates quadrupled between 2018 and 2023. Impunity and ineffective implementation of Law 58 encourage men to kill women.”

‘Women must be protected’

Aya Al-Madab calls on the government to fulfill its responsibility against violence and femicide. “The government should implement a policy based on education. The number of shelters for survivors of gender-based violence is insufficient. The government must open more shelters to protect women from violence. Women, especially those who do not have financial income and are not economically independent, must be protected.”