Women, Islamism & the Jasmine Revolution (or the so-called 'Arab Spring')"

Lecture: Dr. Raja Boussedra
Institut Supérieur des Langues de Tunis, University of Carthage

Tunisian women have played a major role in the Jasmine revolution that led to the ousting of President Ben Ali, after 23 years of autocratic leadership. They stood side by side with men during the massive protests that shook the country, and their voices rose loud and clear demanding that the dictator leave. Six months after the revolution, the great political emptiness beyond the ousted president is being filled by Islamist parties (30% of vote intention) which are marginalizing women's role in the revolution and in society at large and threatening their basic rights.

This talk will examine the role that Tunisian women played in the revolution as well as the many challenges that they are facing in the post revolution era. It will also focus on women's strategies to protect their rights and to ensure that religion will remain separate from the political.