The National Action Plan for Mainstreaming Gender in Tunisia 2016–2020 presents Tunisia’s strategic framework and operational roadmap for integrating gender mainstreaming into national development policies, programs, and budgets for the period 2016–2020. The plan was developed in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5, which emphasizes gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls as a cornerstone for eradicating poverty, combating discrimination, and fostering inclusive development. The establishment of the Council of Peers for Equality and Equal Opportunity between Women and Men, chaired by the Prime Minister and comprising representatives from all ministries and relevant civil society organizations, is highlighted as a best practice for institutionalizing gender equality in public governance. The report provides a thorough diagnosis of the current situation of women in Tunisia, noting significant progress in legal reforms, educational attainment, and political participation. However, it also identifies persistent challenges, such as disparities in economic participation, underrepresentation in decision-making positions, higher unemployment rates among women—especially university graduates—and the prevalence of gender-based violence. The plan underscores the need for continued legislative reforms, targeted policies, and positive discrimination measures to address these gaps and ensure equal opportunities for women and men in all spheres of life. The National Action Plan is structured around five strategic outcomes: (1) establishing an accountability system to eliminate all forms of discrimination and violence against women in both legislation and practice; (2) increasing women’s effective representation and participation in elected bodies and decision-making structures at national, regional, and local levels; (3) ensuring economic and financial empowerment for women, including the right to decent work and fair pay; (4) integrating gender perspectives into public policies, development plans, and sectoral budgets; and (5) implementing a national communication strategy to raise awareness about gender mainstreaming. Each outcome is supported by specific objectives, measurable indicators, and a set of strategic interventions involving government agencies, civil society, and international partners. These include legislative reviews, capacity-building programs, the development of gender-sensitive statistics, the creation of enabling environments for women’s entrepreneurship, and the promotion of women’s leadership in combating extremism and fostering peace. The plan also emphasizes the importance of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress and ensure accountability. In summary, the National Action Plan for Mainstreaming Gender in Tunisia 2016–2020 represents a comprehensive, multisectoral approach to advancing gender equality. It reflects a strong political will, institutional commitment, and societal engagement to translate constitutional principles and international obligations into tangible outcomes for all Tunisian women and men. The plan serves as a model for integrating gender considerations into sustainable development and for building a more just, inclusive, and resilient society
Tunisia · 2017-04-06