Women’s and Family Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

Tunisia celebrates Women’s and Family Day on August 13. This day commemorates the codification of women’s rights in Tunisia through the ratification of the Code of Personal Status. Today is all women’s day, including grandmothers, mothers, and daughters. This day serves as a reminder of how far women have come in their battle for gender equality in social roles, careers, and opportunities. It is also the best occasion to pass on this tradition to the future-shaping younger generations of Tunisia.

The background of Women’s and Family Day

The advancement of women’s liberties is universally acknowledged. Gender equality in all aspects of society is still a work in progress, each woman’s unmatched voyage in breaking down barriers, destroying stereotypes, and paving the way for future generations. The national feminist movement in Tunisia has always been unique, particularly in the Arab region. In 1956, the struggle for justice and equality culminated with the passage of a series of Tunisian laws protecting women’s rights. To combat sexism and misogyny within the government, the Through Code of Personal Status — a law for gender equality — was passed.

The code went into effect on January 1, 1957, when Habib Bourguiba, the prime minister and future president of Tunisia, implemented it nationwide. In addition to elevating Tunisian women above other Arab nations, the revolution abolished polygamy and granted women exclusive marriage rights. It also granted women the right to file for a divorce through a judicial process and mandated mutual assent before marriage. Parts of the code, such as joint ownership of family inheritance and assets, did not truly embrace equality. President Bourguiba and his successors maintained their position despite opposition from religious leaders.

Throughout the 1990s, incremental changes were made to the code. The law that requires a wife to always obey her spouse was one of them. This has been deemed discriminatory and sexist after a heated debate.

In 2017, President Beji Caid Essebsi proclaimed the first Women’s and Family Day in Tunisia in an effort to eradicate gender discrimination from the Inheritance Law.

International Youth Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about International Youth Day

Independence Day 2023: Red Fort Significance, History, and More!

National Son and Daughter Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

Family Day and Women’s Day Activities

Send your mother a note.

Celebrate this day by expressing your love for the first woman we all cherish: our mothers. Send your mother a card and a bouquet of flowers to express your gratitude for her affection and sacrifices over the years.

Attend a girls’ night out.

Invite your pals to spend the evening with you over delicious food and a few drinks! It’s time to relax and enjoy a night out with the ladies.

Find out your privileges

For decades, women’s rights have been contested. As a woman, it is only appropriate to educate yourself on your rights and privileges.

5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE RIGHTS OF TUNISIAN WOMEN

It affirms that men and women have equal rights and responsibilities, without discrimination.

A 2018 Afrobarometer survey found that 67% of Tunisians supported women’s participation in politics.

In 2022, there were 5.96 million women in Tunisia, compared to 5.86 million men.

Despite Tunisia’s progress in gender equality, only 30 percent of women are employed.

This statute was passed in 2017, instituting criminal provisions and penalties for domestic violence offenders.

WOMEN’S AND FAMILY DAY DATES