Tunisia
Tunisia: Islamist Party Wins Big In Elections
![A Tunisian woman shows ink on her finger after voting in the al-Aouina suburb north of Tunis on Sunday Oct. 23, 2011 [AP]](/files/images/tunisia_AP111023019479.thumbnail.jpg "A Tunisian woman shows ink on her finger after voting in the al-Aouina suburb north of Tunis on Sunday Oct. 23, 2011 [AP]")
TUNIS, Tunisia - A moderate Islamist party claimed victory Monday in Tunisia's landmark elections as preliminary results indicated it had won the biggest share of votes, assuring it will have a strong say in the future constitution of the country whose popular revolution led to the Arab Spring.
The Ennahda party's success could boost other Islamist parties in the North Africa and the Middle East, although Ennahda insists its approach to sharia, or Islamic law, is consistent with Tunisia's progressive traditions, especially in regards to women's rights.
Party officials estimated Ennahda had taken at least 30 percent of the 217-seat assembly charged with writing a new constitution for the country.
Tunisia: 'In the Name of Democracy - What Secularists and Women Have to Lose in the Tunisian Elections'
On the eve of the elections in Tunisia that will shape the future of the country and even that of the Arab world as well, Western do-gooders and Islamic fundamentalists hand in hand rejoice in ‘Tunisia’s first free elections’ and its access to ‘ democracy’. The recent history of Iran and Algeria have taught us better… And women in Tunisia watch in horror the rise of Muslim fundamentalists, as a possible replication of the Algerian scenario of 1989 .
Tunisia's Election Through the Eyes of Women
![Tunisia's fledgeling democracy offers particular challenges and opportunities for the nation's women [REUTERS]](/files/images/Tunisias%20Fledgling%20Democracy%20-%20Reuters.thumbnail.jpg "Tunisia's fledgeling democracy offers particular challenges and opportunities for the nation's women [REUTERS]")
Al Jazeera speaks to Tunisian women from across the political spectrum about their hopes and fears for Sunday's poll.
The role of women in the new Tunisia has been a controversial issue throughout the transitional period, with some fearful that they would lose precious rights from the previous era, and others arguing for a return to traditional values.
Early on in the democratic transition, an ambitious was introduced to ensure women would have a voice in the constituent assembly.
For some, however, this law did not go far enough. There are no gender quotas for seats in the assembly, for example.
Tunisia: Leading the way on women's rights in the Middle East
Last December, , triggering a political earthquake that has sent shockwaves through most of the Middle East and north Africa. Now, Tunisia is leading the way once again – this time on the vexed issue of gender equality.
It has become the first country in the region to withdraw all its specific reservations regarding – the international convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.
Tunisia: Government Lifts Restrictions on Women’s Rights Treaty
(Beirut) September 6, 2011 ─ Tunisia’s lifting of key reservations to the (CEDAW) is an important step toward gender equality, Human Rights Watch said today. The Tunisian government should next ensure that all domestic laws conform to international standards and eliminate all forms of discrimination against women, Human Rights Watch said.
Tunisia is the first country in the region to withdraw all of its specific reservations to the treaty. These reservations had enabled it to opt out of certain provisions even though it had ratified the treaty.
Tunisia: Women's rights hang in the balance
For 55 years, Tunisia celebrated Women's Day every August 13, representing the push for gender equality that has been one of the hallmarks of the North African nation's post-colonial era.
Women were active players in the uprising that ended the rule of Zine Abidine Ben Ali, and many hope that event will translate into a more visible role in the country’s soon-to-be democratic political life.
Yet some are worried that the rights women have enjoyed for the past five decades might soon be swept away by the tide of social conservatism that has emerged in the wake of the uprising.
Tunisia: Sit-in against 'fundamentalism, extremism, and violence' in centre of Tunis
Dozens of people participated Saturday in a sit-in in the center of Tunis to warn against "fundamentalism, extremism and violence", AFP noted.
Gathered on the steps of the City Theatre, the participants came following calls on social networks, waving placards saying "no to violence, yes to tolerance," "against any religious extremism", "No to Algeria of the 90s."
The event turned into impromptu happening, dozens of passers-by sit down to discuss the place of Islam in society, freedom of expression or the defense of the Revolution’s gains.
Middle East: Women and the Revolution
Among the most prevalent Western stereotypes about Muslim countries are those concerning Muslim women: doe-eyed, veiled, and submissive, exotically silent, gauzy inhabitants of imagined harems, closeted behind rigid gender roles. So where were these women in Tunisia and Egypt?
Tunisia: Women Play Important Role in Revolution
Female voices rang out loud and clear during massive protests that brought down the authoritarian rule of Tunisian President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali.
Women in Tunisia are unique in the Arab world for enjoying near equality with men. And they are anxious to maintain their status.
In Tunis, old ladies, young girls and women in black judges robes marched down the streets demanding that the dictator leave.
Muslim Women Unite Against Sexual Violence
![[Jamel Arfaoui] A Tunis forum was among the "One Day, One Struggle" global campaign events on November 9th.](/files/images/Magharebia.thumbnail.jpg "[Jamel Arfaoui] A Tunis forum was among the \"One Day, One Struggle\" global campaign events on November 9th.")
A major grassroots campaign recently called international attention to the underreported issues of sexual harassment and assault against women in Muslim states.
Scores of women's organisations from Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia joined forces last week for a sensational campaign led by the Coalition for Sexual and Bodily Rights in Muslim Societies (CSBR).