Message from Ambassador Walles on the Occasion of Tunisian Women’s Day
On behalf of the Government and the people of the United States, I would like to salute the women of Tunisia on the occasion of Women’s Day - a day which commemorates the passage of the Personal Status Code granting equal rights for women in Tunisia. I congratulate the women of Tunisia on their commitment to maintaining and strengthening these basic rights, which we support through our policies, programs and exchanges.
Secretary Clinton said, “When women are accorded their rights and afforded equal opportunities in education, health care and gainful employment, they drive social and economic progress.” Every day in Tunisia we see women striving to strengthen these rights and taking an active role in shaping government policy. Last October, thousands of women ran in the elections and today women hold 27% of the seats in the Constituent Assembly, including several positions of leadership. In civil society, the talents, experiences and leadership of Tunisia’s women are integral in shaping a society where women are respected as full and equal partners. Tunisian women continue to play influential roles in Tunisia’s economy, in the arts, and in sports as well, evidenced by Habiba Ghribi’s silver medal in the London Olympic Games.
Never before have women in Tunisia had such a golden opportunity to shape the future of their country as it transitions to democracy. We stand with you as you show the world what the future will look like, both in Tunisia and throughout the Middle East. We wish you a happy Women’s Day.
Jake Walles
U.S. Ambassador