Naming of a new woman ambassador highlights increasing role of Tunisian women in decision-making process

Tunis 17 September (Middle East Online)

The naming of Mrs. Naziha Zarrouk as Tunisia's new ambassador to Lebanon illustrates the increasing role of Tunisian women in diplomacy and in the decision making process.

Mrs. Zarrouk, a former cabinet member, joins other women ambassadors already representing Tunisia in France, the Netherlands and Norway.

Another first in Tunisia's diplomatic establishment is the naming of Mrs. Saida Chtioui as secretary of state (junior minister) to the minister of foreign affairs, in the recent cabinet reshuffle earlier his month. Mrs. Chtioui, a former ambassador to Switzerland, becomes one of six women cabinet members. Prior to the reshuffle, there used to be four women cabinet members.

The increasing number of women in diplomacy and politics is part of a general policy aimed at widening the role of women in all branches of the decision-making process.

Executive directives and ruling party orientations promoted by President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali have in fact made a clear difference, analysts point out.

The impact of such policies has been felt in the legislative branch. Tunisian Parliament boasts the highest percentage of women members in the Arab world. The percentage of Tunisian female members of Parliament, 11.5 %, is in fact considered quite high by any international standards. It is a long way from the 1.8 % of 1966. The ratio of elected women is even higher in local councils. More than one fifth (21.6 %) of the members of the country's municipal councils are women.

A catalyst role is played in this regard by the ruling «Democratic Constitutional Rally » (RCD) in using its large influence to encourage the candidacy and the election of women to public office. The presence of women in the leadership bodies of the party is substantial. No less than 22 % of the members of the central committee of the RCD are women.

Sociologists and political scientists believe the large place occupied by women in the political decision- making process is a necessary a reflection of the advances made by women of Tunisia towards parity in all walks of life.

In this Arab-Moslem country, where polygamy and repudiation have been banned and the principles of gender equality established since 1956, women have been able to enjoy unique legal advantages. Experts say the women of Tunisia are likely to continue their lead in the future. They point to such indicators as the fact that young women constitute more than 51 % of secondary school and university level students. An important figure that is likely to further anchor the increasing role of Tunisian women in the decision-making process.

Middle East Online