About the author:
Arianna is a student from Jumeirah college in Dubai. Growing up in the Middle East has influenced to apply a political lens to her surroundings. In the past few years, she has gained a passion for political science and economics. She plans to study international relations at the undergraduate level.
Abstract
As a culturally diverse region, the Middle East has witnessed many socio-cultural and economic changes in recent decades. These societies have consequently become more progressive and liberal, modifying their role in the world especially in relation to the treatment of women. Since its independence in 1956, Tunisia has been a regional leader in promoting women’s rights. Tunisian women have gained increased access to education and employment, contributing significantly to the workforce. This research article will explore how women have started playing a larger socio-political and economic role in Tunisia, reflecting changes around the status of women in the MENA region.
Introduction
Historically, in Middle Eastern society, traditional gender roles have placed women in subordinate positions. Traditional interpretations of Islamic texts have often been used to justify gender-based hierarchies, where women have been excluded and received limited access to education (Alsamawi and Badr, 2009). A detrimental impact of this was women’s voices being muted in societal issues, rendering them unable to participate politically.
These patterns in the treatment of women were reflective of Tunisian society as well. However, the Arab Spring and subsequent socio-political changes have played a pivotal role in altering the status and opportunities for Tunisian women. Furthermore, Tunisia has experienced economic development and the development of an increasingly modernized economy (Arfaoui, 2014). The positive effects of this include greater labor force participation of women. Over the years, Tunisia has continued to make strides in women’s empowerment especially through legal reforms. Wider access to education for women in Tunisia has led to greater awareness of rights and opportunities, empowering them to participate more actively in politics and decision making. This has been aided by increased access to media and information for Tunisian citizens (Norwood, 2011). These socio-political changes in Tunisia reflect larger transformations in the Middle East within the landscape for women, paving the way for their evolved role in politics and public life. These socio-cultural shifts are instrumental in understanding the future of the region.
Women’s Rights Through Legal Reforms
Traditional interpretations of Islamic law often reinforced patriarchal norms, leading to legal structures that disadvantaged women in Islamic countries in their social, economic, and political participation (Bouchoucha, 2018). Consequently, in recent decades, several Middle Eastern countries have implemented changes in citizenship laws, allowing women to pass on nationality to their children and spouses in some countries, thereby granting them greater legal rights. For instance, in the United Arab Emirates, women hold two-thirds of all public sector jobs within the country, proving that women are trusted to engage in a political society.
Tunisia has been a pioneer in such reforms, implementing legal reforms in family laws including issues such as divorce, marriage, and custody (Grami, 2018). The country has progressively moved towards legislation that grant women more rights and liberty. For instance, Tunisia has enacted laws against violence towards women. Another example is the Code of Personal Status (CPS) introduced in 1956 by President Bourguiba. This legislation abolished polygamy, established judicial divorce, and promoted women’s rights in matters of child custody and inheritance.
Furthermore, in June 2017, the Tunisian parliament passed another landmark law criminalizing domestic violence against women. This was a significant step as it broadened the scope of criminal law to combat male violence against women in its physical, moral, sexual, economic, and political forms. Additionally, the law also directed ministries and state institutions to prevent and combat violence against women, including through education, training, detection, awareness-raising, and providing information, care, and ongoing support to survivors (Baliamoune, 2012).
Another significant reform was the overturning of a law in 2017 that banned women from marrying non-Muslim men. This decision represented a move towards greater personal freedom for women in Tunisia. Legal reforms have thus been instrumental in promoting women’s rights and participation in Middle Eastern societies. These changes have created a more favorable legal environment for women, addressing historical inequalities and enabling them to play a more active role in politics and public life (Hassan and Aboulenein, 2017).
Increased Political Participation
The increased political participation of women within the MENA is a significant aspect of the changing role of women in the region. Some middle eastern countries have implemented quota systems to ensure a minimum representation of women in legislative bodies. Women have also been appointed to key government positions, demonstrating their growing influence in shaping public policy. Young women are now increasingly involved in activism and politics, bringing fresh perspectives to the political landscape (Moghadam, 2005). This has led to them forming grassroot movements advocating for gender equality, political representation, and women’s rights. Civil society organizations have played a crucial role in promoting women’s role in politics and civil society.
Following independence from France in 1956, Tunisia under President Habib Bourguiba took progressive steps regarding women’s rights. The Code of Personal Status (CPS) was introduced in 1956, abolishing polygamy and granting women more rights in divorce and child custody. This era marked the beginning of women’s formal political participation, although it was limited (Arfaoui and Tchaïcha, 2014). Women gained the right to vote and stand for elections in 1959, and Tunisian women were among the first in the Arab world to enjoy such rights.
Under President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, women’s rights continued to advance in Tunisia, but the political landscape was authoritarian. The government used women’s rights as a tool to showcase Tunisia’s ‘modernity’ while suppressing political dissent and limiting genuine political participation. Women held positions in the government and parliament, but this was more symbolic as the regime controlled political life (Suad, 2018).
The 2011 Jasmine Revolution, part of the Arab Spring, was a turning point for women in Tunisia. Women actively participated in the protests that led to the overthrow of Ben Ali. The subsequent transition to democracy opened new avenues for political engagement. The 2014 Constitution guaranteed gender equality and the protection of women’s rights. This period saw an increase in the number of women in political leadership, both in elected offices and in civil society roles.
Tunisian women have continued to play a critical role in politics. Laws mandating gender parity on electoral lists have been implemented, leading to a significant presence of women in the parliament. Women’s rights organizations and activists have become influential in shaping policies, although challenges remain, including underrepresentation in high-level decision-making positions and persistent societal barriers (Moghadam, 2019). Throughout these phases, women’s political participation in Tunisia has been influenced by a combination of legal reforms, socio-cultural dynamics, and the broader political context. The Tunisian case stands out in the MENA region for its early and progressive approach to women’s rights, although the journey towards full gender parity and representation continues. However, traditional gender norms can still be a barrier to women’s active participation in politics. Women in politics may face threats, violence, and harassment, impacting their ability to participate freely (Alsamawi and Badr, 2009).
International Influences
International factors have played a significant role in shaping the changing role of women in politics in the broader middle eastern and MENA region. Aid from organizations such as the United Nations has played a huge part in promoting women’s rights and gender equality. A good example is the convention on the elimination of all forms of all discrimination (CEDAW); an international legal instrument that requires countries to eliminate discrimination against women and girls in all areas and promotes women’s and girls’ equal rights. There have also been diplomatic efforts to encourage and promote women’s participation (Arfaoui and Tchaïcha, 2014). The signing of international agreements like the Beijing Declaration has led to country-wide commitments to enhance female participation in politics.
The Middle East, as of the beginning of the 21st century, has been in the public eye more as a strong group of developing nations. But they have faced international scrutiny and pressure aimed at human rights and the governments have been encouraged to enact legal and policy reforms aimed at improving women’s status in these countries. In addition, political change has been severely driven as international actors have tied aid packages to women’s rights, providing incentives for change in the middle eastern political landscape (Hassan and Aboulenein, 2017). It is evident that with the development of the middle east as a powerful region in the world there has been a drive for change. International factors have been instrumental in raising awareness and pushing for reforms in the Middle East, encouraging the region to enhance women’s political participation.
Many places across the middle east and North African region (MENA) have seen changes take place in recent times and this has led to what can only be described as a chain reaction for the involvement and participation of women politically and socially in Arab societies. Countries that are famously known to have repression and segregation of women have now seen radical development in policies and a few examples of these are the events and changes that were seen in Saudi Arabia and Tunisia. Saudi Arabia has traditionally maintained strict gender segregation and limited women’s rights and participation in public life, however recent legal changes have allowed women the ability to drive their own cars and they have also had a more expanded role in the workforce (Suad, 2018). Even though it may seem like a very basic right has been given it marks a significant amount of progress for the country.
However, in Tunisia the development is a little different. Tunisia has been at the forefront of women’s rights and activism for the movement in the middle east and North Africa, with legal reforms dating back to the 1950s (Norwood, 2011). Many of these reforms have been implemented under the Personal Status Code and have worked to promote gender equality in various fields. The experiences of these countries demonstrate the diverse trajectories women’s political participation can take, influenced by historical, legal, and societal factors.
Conclusion
The changing role of women in middle eastern politics reflects the complex interplay of historical context, evolving societal norms, legal reforms, and international influences (Murphy, 1996). Whilst significant progress has been made in the region, challenges yet persist. Despite these advances, challenges remain. Women still face issues related to gender inequality, economic participation, and representation in high-level decision-making roles. However, the overall trend has been towards greater gender equality and empowerment of women in Tunisian society. Understanding the transformation is crucial for evaluating the prospects for greater gender equality and for creating policies that support women’s political participation in the middle east.
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