Tunisia's celebration of Women's Day : President Ben Ali
stresses the need to generalize digital culture among women

Tunis, August 12, 2005 (TunisiaOnline)

On the eve of Tunisia's celebration of National Women's Day, President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali received Friday Mrs Saloua Ayachi Labben, Minister of Women's affairs, family, children and the elderly.

The national holiday marks the anniversary of the Personal Status Code, a pioneering legislation guranteeing the rights of women adopted by Tunisian Pariliament on August 13, 1956.

In receing Mrs Labebne, President Ben Ali underlined his commitment to promoting the status of women as full-fledged citizens. He also stressed the importance of promoting the full access of women to digital culture.

Celebration of national women's day is an occasion for Tunisian women to assess the progress thay have accomplished in achieving equality within the law and in everyday life. It is also an occasion for festivities and various functions. The role of women in promoting information technologies is the focus of this year's celebrations,, especially that Tunisia is scheduled to host next November the World Summit on the Information Society.

Tunsian women represent 22.7 % of the members of the Chamber of Deputies and 27.6 % of city council members.They also represent 27% of the magistrates and 31% of the lawyers lawyers. More than 10,000 women run their own businesses. Young women represeent no less than 57 % of university students .

The Tunisian Personal Status Code, which abolished polygamy and repudiaton, has created a legal and social environment that is favorable to women. Such an environment has been reinforced by various additoinal measures taken since the early 90's.