Tunisia's Union nationale de la femme tunisienne in Financial and Symbolic Crisis

The Union nationale de la femme tunisienne (UNFT), a pioneering organization in Tunisia's feminist movement, is facing significant financial and symbolic challenges. Founded in 1956, the same year as the country's independence, the UNFT has been a driving force in promoting women's rights and empowerment. However, the organization is now struggling with a substantial financial deficit of three million dinars, which its president, Radhia Jerbi, attributes to mismanagement between 2012 and 2016.

The UNFT's financial woes are compounded by its confrontation with the Tunisian government. Jerbi describes the situation as a "disregard" for an organization that has been a cornerstone of the country's feminist movement since before independence. The organization's bureau has been taken over, and it faces numerous difficulties, including delayed social security contributions and unpaid employee salaries. Jerbi believes that the financial crisis is, in part, a result of a political sanction.

The UNFT's struggles are not solely financial; they also represent a symbolic crisis. The organization has a rich history, dating back to 1936 when Bchira Ben Mrad founded the Union musulmane des femmes de Tunisie, the first women's organization in Tunisia. The UNFT has been a vital part of Tunisia's social fabric, providing essential services such as free childcare, technical training for women, and support for the most vulnerable members of society.

The UNFT's daily activities have a significant impact on the lives of many Tunisian women. The organization runs kindergartens, offers free technical training, and provides assistance to those in need. It also works to combat poverty, illiteracy, and violence against women. However, due to financial constraints, several programs have had to be suspended, affecting real women in real villages.

The crisis facing the UNFT is part of a broader trend of marginalization of civil society in Tunisia. The organization's situation is particularly concerning, given its historical significance and the vital role it plays in promoting women's rights. The UNFT is not just another association; it is a symbol of Tunisia's feminist movement and a testament to the country's commitment to social justice.

To address the UNFT's crisis, it is essential to recognize the organization's social mission as a matter of public interest. The government should provide concrete support to ensure the UNFT's continued operation and prevent its disappearance. Punishing past mistakes should not come at the expense of the organization's ability to serve the needs of Tunisian women.

The UNFT's president, Radhia Jerbi, and other stakeholders are calling for recognition of the organization's value and a concerted effort to address its challenges. The organization's legacy and continued operation are crucial to preserving Tunisia's feminist heritage and ensuring the continued empowerment of women in the country.

Key points

• The Union nationale de la femme tunisienne faces a significant financial deficit and a crisis of legitimacy.
• The organization's struggles are symbolic of a broader trend of marginalization of civil society in Tunisia.
• The UNFT's social mission is a matter of public interest, and the government should provide concrete support to ensure its continued operation.