Without pension, no right to land and transported in 'death trucks': the labor precariousness of female agricultural workers in Tunisia, the arduous battleground of the country's feminists
The article discusses the precarious labor conditions faced by female agricultural workers in Tunisia, highlighting the feminist movement's efforts to improve their rights and living conditions.
The article from El País outlines the difficult realities faced by female agricultural workers, known as jornaleras, in Tunisia, who are subjected to low wages, exhausting work hours, and violations of their labor rights. Despite Tunisia's reputation within the Arab and Islamic world as a pioneer for women's rights, these women continue to struggle for basic rights such as pensions and land ownership. The feminist agenda in Tunisia has prioritized improving the living conditions of these campesinas, focusing on addressing systemic issues that lead to their exploitation.
The feminist movement in Tunisia is slowly making progress, with emerging results reflecting a growing awareness of the plight of female agricultural workers. The historical context of women's rights in Tunisia includes the establishment of a progressive family code in 1956, aiming to enhance women's standing in society. However, the implementation of such progressive measures has faltered, particularly in rural areas where traditional and patriarchal structures still dominate, leaving female agricultural workers in vulnerable positions.
The article stresses the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to secure the rights of these workers, who are among the most marginalized groups in the country. Feminists in Tunisia advocate for better salaries, working conditions, and legal protections for jornaleras, as they continue to fight against various forms of violence, including sexual violence. The struggle of these women serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality in Tunisia and the importance of addressing economic and social injustices in rural areas, where many women’s rights are still unprotected.