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Video: Women of my country, women to reckon with

by UNDP | Thomson Reuters Foundation
Thursday, 8 March 2012 05:27 GMT

* Any views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Tunisia is screening “Women of my country, Women to reckon with”, a 25-minute documentary that tells the story of women candidates during the 2011 National Constituent Assembly elections in Tunisia. The film was produced for UNDP by Clientelefilms.

The role of women in Tunisia has been a central issue throughout the transitional period, with many activists focused on guarding precious freedoms and rights that women in Tunisia have achieved in recent history, in the face of emerging arguments for a return to traditional values.

The film pays tribute to the women who were at the forefront of the revolution in Tunisia and who competed for a seat in the country’s first free and democratic national elections on 23 October 2011.

Five Tunisian women from across the political spectrum share their campaigning experience, speak out for their rights, express their hopes and fears regarding entering politics, and share their aspirations for the future.

UNDP Political Development Specialist, Soulef Guessoum says that it is necessary to encourage political parties to have internal regulations that help women to reach decision making decisions inside the parties.

“We must encourage and discuss the role of women committees inside the political parties,” Guessoum says.

Link to the video here:

Tunesia - Women from UNDP on Vimeo.

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