Banjul, The Gambia — 20 October 2025
A panel titled “Tunisia as a Case Study: Implementing the African Framework on Gender Equality and Combating Gender-Based Violence” was held on Monday, 20 October 2025, from 14:00 to 15:30, in Press Room 3 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center, on the sidelines of the NGO Forum preceding the 85ᵗʰ Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).
Organized by the Committee for Justice (CFJ), in partnership with the Tunisian League for Human Rights (LTDH), Mawjoudin, and Damj – Tunisian Association for Justice and Equality, the event brought together human rights defenders, feminist activists, experts, and civil society representatives to examine Tunisia’s experience in advancing gender equality and combatting gender-based violence (GBV).
Long regarded as a regional model due to its groundbreaking legal reforms and vibrant feminist movement, Tunisia now faces growing political, institutional, and social challenges that threaten these hard-won gains. Speakers emphasized that Law No. 58-2017, aligned with the Maputo Protocol, represented a landmark achievement by expanding the definition of violence, strengthening prevention and protection mechanisms, and establishing robust standards for prosecution.
However, implementation remains uneven. Survivors still face significant barriers to justice, support services remain insufficient, and a culture of impunity continues to discourage reporting. The shrinking civic space in Tunisia, the weakening of independent institutions, and increasing pressure on feminist organizations further undermine efforts to combat GBV and safeguard women’s rights.
Participants stressed that the Tunisian experience represents a critical test for the African human rights system. It demonstrates both the potential for alignment between national legislation and regional obligations, and the persistent obstacles preventing the full realization of gender equality. The challenges observed in Tunisia also resonate with other North African countries that have yet to ratify or fully implement the Maputo Protocol.
The panel featured:
- Najet Zammouri, First Vice-President, LTDH
- Fatma Asma Moatemri, Program Officer, CFJ
- Jay, Representative, Mawjoudin for Equality
- Najia Mansour, Representative, Damj – Tunisian Association for Justice and Equality
The discussion was moderated by Sibongile Ndashe, Executive Director of the Initiative for Strategic Litigation in Africa (ISLA).
Speakers called on the ACHPR, its special mechanisms, and the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights to strengthen monitoring of regional obligations, support the effective implementation of national legislation, and ensure the protection of feminist organizations and civil society actors facing increasing restrictions.
The event concluded with a clear message: strengthening the African framework on gender equality is essential to guarantee women’s rights, prevent violence, and safeguard democratic gains in Tunisia and across the region.
