IHLAS HAMRUNI

Tunisia- Women have played a critical role in preserving and transmitting cultural traditions across generations by expressing their experiences and perspectives through various forms of language like poetry, literature, and songs. Oral heritage, also known as oral traditions, are a type of intangible cultural heritage, describing the knowledge, skills, practices, and expressions that a community or group of people recognize as their cultural heritage.

A number of women in Kassérine Governorate, west-central Tunisia, are determined to preserve their oral heritage through songs and stories expressing their feelings and thoughts.

‘Women have a strong connection to their culture’

“The intangible heritage is the traditions, knowledge, and practices that are passed down through generations from our ancestors,” said Sonia Hassani, one of these women. “As women, we remember and practice this heritage at wedding parties and other occasions, such as family gatherings. We are determined to preserve this heritage.”

In the governorate, about 40 women gather in a house and prepare kitchen supplies, couscous and spices for a whole year. “This is an old tradition for us. We sing songs that we learned and inherited from our grandmothers. Intangible heritage encompasses practices like dancing, folklore and wool-making customs and everything made from wool such as burnous (a traditional hooded cloak worn by men) and woolen blankets. All of these products are an important heritage for us, and women strive to preserve them.”

‘Protecting cultural heritage is important’

The intangible heritage of the Kasserine region is a set of customs and traditions that women pass down to the next generations, Nasreen Hilali told NuJINHA, calling on all women to protect their cultural heritage because “Protecting cultural heritage is important.”

‘Women make great efforts to preserve their culture’

Emphasizing the important role of women in preserving their cultural heritage, poet Doha Boutrah said, “Preserving cultural heritage is crucial for maintaining a sense of identity within a community. Women in Kassérine Governorate play a critical role in preserving their cultural heritage. They make great efforts to preserve their culture.”