Tunisian Women You Should Know About

Words by Aimée Lister

Did you know that Tunisia has been a pioneer in women's rights in the Arab word? The country passed a groundbreaking law called the Personal Status code in 1956 which granted Tunisian women significant rights, including the right to divorce, equal guardianship of children, protection against polygamy, the right to choose their spouse, and the right to work and own property.

In 1957, Tunisia became one of the first countries in the Arab world to grant women the right to vote, and has had women in numerous high-level positions in both government and the judiciary, including as prime minister (Najla Bouden was in office from October 2021 until August 2023). In 2017, the country enacted a comprehensive law against all forms of gendered violence, which is considered one of the most progressive laws in the region. All of these achievements have made Tunisia a model for women's rights in the Arab world and have inspired other countries to follow suit. Challenges remain of course, and efforts continue in order to ensure that women's rights are fully realized and protected.

Moufida Tlatli 

A groundbreaking film director who worked as one of the region's best-known film editors before the release of her 1994 film (also her directorial debut) The Silences of the Palace which won a number of international accolades. After the Tunisian Revolution, Tlatli was appointed Minister of Culture.

Radhia Haddad 

A Tunisian feminist activist, chairwoman of the National Union of Tunisian Women for 15 years, and the first woman in a parliamentarian position in the history of the country.

Leila Toubel 

A Tunisian actress and playwright who participated in President Kais Saied’s consultative committee to create a new Tunisian constitution.

Tewhida Ben Sheikh

One of the first North African women to become a physician. She's remembered particularly for her work on women's health and gynecology. She's now honored on the 10 Tunisian Dinar note.

Dorra Bouchoucha

A highly respected figure in Tunisian cinema, who is both a film producer and co-founder of production company Nomadis. Her film career started after a conversation with Moufida Tlatli in the 90s.

Ons Jabeur

A professional tennis player who in 2022, ranked the top of the Women's Tennis Association. She's currently the top-ranked Tunisian player and the highest-ranking African and Arab tennis player in WTA/ATP history.