ZOUHOUR MECHERGUİ

Tunisia- Many international organizations, including the World Bank have emphasized the role of women in managing natural resources such as soil, water, energy, and more since the nineties. Women have continued to play an important role in protecting nature and ensuring environmental sustainability and they have always shown their concern about nature to ensure the safety of their families. Although the number of women working on protecting nature in Tunisia is few, the ecologist women continue to work to protect nature with their experiences they have gained by participating in local, regional and international events.

"They recycle waste materials"

Rabia Al-Werfalli is a teacher in Tunisia. She has developed a project to recycle waste materials in the country. She spoke to JINHA about the importance of conversion of various types of green waste into organic fertilizer in order to achieve sustainable development. Stating that the project is beneficial for women who want to work at home and for the state, Rabia Al-Werfalli said, “This project will be a source of livelihood for the unemployed. I call on the Ministry of the Environment and the relevant institutions of the state to pave the way for such projects and support them.”

"She educates children to be aware of their nature"

Underlining that she doesn’t allow anything to go to waste, Rabia Al-Werfalli said that she has recycled every waste materials in her house and school. “I educate children to protect the ocean and recycle waste materials,” she said.

"Women are more active"

Environmental journalist Reem bin Khalifa believes that politics also affect the environment because politicians determine local and global environmental policies. She also said that sustainable development is a powerful tool for the realization of all human rights. Speaking about the role of women in ensuring environmental sustainability, Reem bin Khalifa said, “Many international organizations, including the World Bank have emphasized the role of women in managing natural resources such as soil, water, energy, and more since the nineties. Many books and publications have been written about the role of women in protecting the environment. In the nineties, most of the women were housewives but now the number of women participating in the social life has increased. Women are more active now. Women should be economically empowered to be more active.”

"Women are the main pillar of social change"

Hadia Shahid, an environmental communications specialist, believes that women are the main pillar of social change. “Women can affect their families and the environment they live in. She said, “Women have a social role and a great responsibility in protecting the environment and raising generations. Women have a vital role in environmental management and development.”