ZOUHOUR MECHERGUI

Tunisia- The economic and political crisis in Tunisia causes the increase in gender-based violence. According to recent figures, domestic violence has become ordinary in society and online violence has become a dangerous phenomenon threatening women. NuJINHA spoke to Tunisian lawyer and feminist activist Monia Ben Guirat about the increase of gender-based violence in the country.

“Many women do not report violence against them”

Cyber violence against women is on an alarming rise in Tunisia. Do you think the reports on gender-based violence show the real number of women facing cyber violence?

Cyber violence has become a serious threat to all women. As women’s rights activists, we have prepared a public policy document on this issue. We tried to do research on cyber violence and its effects on women’s participation in public affairs. We interviewed women working for municipalities and asked them to fill out a form; however, there was no significant interaction, which shows that those who are subjected to violence do not want to talk about it. We think that the figures released by the CREDIF on gender-based violence do not reflect the actual number of women victims of violence because many of them do not report violence against them. According to the figures of the CREDIF, 54% of women were subjected to verbal violence on Facebook , 24% of them received harassing messages and 80% of women were subjected to violence on social media, which reflects the fact that cyber violence has become a dangerous and frightening phenomenon threatening women.

“Joint efforts are needed”

 What are the reasons for the increase in gender-based violence? Can laws prevent it?

Since women are considered as weak in patriarchal societies, they are subjected to all forms of violence. Feminist and women’s associations have tried to break this reactionary mentality, but joint efforts are needed to break it. We, as feminist associations, welcomed the adoption of Law No. 58 on the Elimination of Violence against Women. Tunisian women pushed the parliament to pass this law by struggling. This law deals with many women’s issues but it is still insufficient to protect women. What is most important is to change the mentality of society. Gender-based violence can be eliminated with education.

Violence against women exists in all societies and has become a general phenomenon. Cyber violence also threatens women, and many local organizations have struggled with this type of violence. According to studies conducted by several organizations in Tunisia, almost all women, whether educated or uneducated, living in the village or living in the city, are subjected to violence. In addition, the released figures reveal that many women working in high positions are also subjected to violence; however, they keep it secret because they are ashamed.

Women continue to be subjected to violence despite awareness campaigns and laws against violence. What is the reason for this?

Gender-based violence should not be hidden and society should confront this phenomenon. This is the first step to eliminate violence. Women victims of violence should know that they will face violence again and again if they do not report it. Women should be brave and report abusers.