[Brussels, 20 October 2011] In order to make first contact with civil society in Tunisia, the Heinrich Böll Foundation organised a first mission in Tunisia on 01-06 October 2011. The EWL was invited to join and Brigitte Triems, President of EWL, participated in this mission.
The delegation met with civil society representatives, in particular representatives of women’s organisations, who are very active in this crucial transition period. The mission happened at an important time a few days before the elections of the constituent assembly on 23 October 2011. Regarding the elections in Tunisia, the principle of parity between men and women on all lists was introduced. Any party who does not respect this rule will be invalidated and will not participate in elections. However, despite these good measures, it is feared that only 5 to 10% of women will be elected because they are few on the top of electoral lists.
This mission was part of the follow up to the motion that was adopted at the EWL General Assembly in 2011, committing the EWL to establish stronger links with women’s organisations in North African countries, in support of democracy and equality after the “Arab Spring” soon.
