Tunisia seeks to expand participation of women in office

Gender equality principles have been enhanced in Tunisian law, including its Constitution. Progress towards gender equality is evident in many indicators, including increased school enrolment, enhanced services for training and greater women’s participation in all walks of life. Tunisia is committed to protecting women and overcoming all attempts against modern society. Its recent experience in democratic transition bears witness to the fact that women should be represented in all legislative bodies, and it commits to women's expanded ability to participate in politics and in public affairs, including through a 50 per cent quota for candidate lists in elections. Speaking at the Global Leaders' Meeting on 27 September 2015, Prime Minister Habib Essid said: “Our experience in democratic transition recently is witness to the fact that women should be represented in all legislative bodies. Hence, we enhance women's ability to participate in politics and in public affairs. This is a commitment.”