- Categories:
- Special Interest
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- AwarenessInternationalWomen
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- Other
- Date change rule:
- Every August 13
- Holiday emoji:
- 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦
Women’s and Family Day celebrates the promulgation of Tunisian women’s rights every August 13. This day honors the adoption of the Code of Personal Status, recognizing the immense progress women have made in social roles, careers, and opportunities. Take time to reflect on the journey, celebrate achievements, and inspire future generations.
Want to sponsor Women's and Family Day? Learn how
Expected Women's and Family Day Deals
As a day focused on cause and recognition, Women’s and Family Day typically sees less emphasis on commercial deals and more on advocacy and community support. Organizations like UN Women and the Global Fund for Women often highlight their ongoing campaigns for gender equality and women’s empowerment. Local Tunisian organizations may host events or fundraising drives to support women’s initiatives. Globally, brands like The Body Shop and Bombas, known for their social impact, might feature products that support women’s causes. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as August 13 approaches, encouraging support for women’s rights organizations.
Platform Guide for Women's and Family Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #WomensAndFamilyDay. Share stories of inspiring women in your family or community, highlighting their achievements and contributions.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #WomensAndFamilyDay. Post about the significance of the Code of Personal Status in Tunisia or discuss global strides in women’s rights.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #WomensAndFamilyDay. Share news articles or statistics on women’s empowerment, sparking conversations about ongoing challenges and successes.
Women's and Family Day Hero
BĂ©chir Ben Yahmed
History of Women's and Family Day
We can all agree that women’s rights have come a long way. Gender equality in all facets of society is still a work in progress, the unprecedented journey of every woman in breaking barriers, destroying stereotypes, and paving the way for future generations. In Tunisia, the national feminist movement has always been unique, especially in the Arab region. The fight for justice and equality came to fruition in 1956 after a series of Tunisian laws were passed to protect women’s rights. Through Code of Personal Status — a bill for gender equality — was passed to curb issues of sexism and misogyny by the government.
The code took effect on January 1, 1957, as Tunisian Prime Minister and incoming President Habib Bourguiba implemented it nationwide. Not only did it give a special place for Tunisian women compared to other Arab countries, but it also abolished polygamy, giving women exclusive rights to marriage. It also gave women the right to undergo a judicial procedure in filing for a divorce and the requirement for mutual consent before marriage. However, parts of the code didn’t fully embrace equality, such as joint ownership of family inheritance and assets. Religious leaders opposed this movement, but President Bourguiba and his successors stayed firm on their grounds.
In the 1990s, progressive amendments were made to the code. One of which was the law that requires a wife to obey her husband at all times. This was debated back and forth and has been deemed unjust and sexist.
In 2017, President Beji Caid Essebsi announced the first Women’s and Family Day in Tunisia, intending to eliminate gender bias from the Inheritance Law.
Women's and Family Day timeline
Gender equality becomes known in Tunisia through the Code of Personal Status.
Tunisian Prime Minister Habib Bourguiba implements the gender equality law nationwide.
Sections of the law go through amending to give way to gender inequality.
President Bejjani Caid Essebsi announces the first Women’s and Family Day in Tunisia.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Women's and Family Day
Local businesses can honor Women’s and Family Day by highlighting the contributions of their female employees or by partnering with local women’s empowerment organizations. Restaurants might offer special family-themed meals, while retailers could feature products from women-owned businesses or donate a portion of sales to a women’s charity. Consider hosting an educational workshop or panel discussion about women’s rights and gender equality, inviting community leaders and experts to share insights and foster dialogue.
Women's and Family Day FAQs
When is Women's and Family Day?
Women’s and Family Day 2026 falls on Thursday, August 13, honoring the historic Code of Personal Status in Tunisia. This date serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey towards gender equality.
What is the Code of Personal Status?
The Code of Personal Status, promulgated on August 13, 1956, is a landmark Tunisian law that granted women unprecedented rights, including judicial divorce, and abolished polygamy. It is considered a cornerstone of women’s liberation in the Arab world.
How many countries celebrate a Women's Day?
While International Women’s Day (March 8) is celebrated globally, many countries, like Tunisia, observe their own national Women’s Days or months. This reflects diverse cultural and historical contexts in the fight for gender equality.
What is the significance of Women's and Family Day?
Women’s and Family Day holds profound significance in Tunisia as it commemorates the legal advancements that empowered women and strengthened family structures. It’s a day to recognize women’s pivotal role in society and their ongoing fight for equality.
Women's and Family Day Activities
Send your mom a card
Celebrate this day by showing affection to the first woman we all love: our moms! Send your mom a card and a flower and express your appreciation for all her love and sacrifices through the years.
Go on a girl’s night out
Invite your friends to hang out over good food and a couple of drinks for the night! It’s time to unwind and have a fun girl’s night out.
Learn your rights
Women’s rights have been fought for decades. It’s only appropriate to educate yourself about your rights and privileges as a woman.
5 Interesting Facts About Tunisian Women’s Rights
The 2014 Tunisian Constitution
It states that men and women have equal rights and duties without discrimination.
Majority of Tunisians favor this
In a 2018 Afrobarometer survey, 67% of Tunisians agreed with women’s inclusion in politics.
Tunisian women outnumbered men
In 2022, the population of Tunisian women was 5.96 million, against 5.86 million men.
Women’s employment is a work in progress
Despite the Tunisians’ strides toward gender equality, only 30% of women are employed.
Eliminating Violence Against Women
This law was passed in 2017, introducing criminal provisions and penalties for perpetrators of domestic violence.
Why We Love Women's and Family Day
It’s time for women to rule
This holiday couldn’t come at a perfect time in our global political climate. We’re at the point where we should encourage female leaders in all government sectors to pursue a position of power. It’s their moment to rule.
We support gender equality
Gender equality is the epitome of justice. Everyone should have equal rights, regardless of sex or gender identity.
We aspire to be progressive
Once and for all, it’s time to abolish discrimination. Progressiveness is what we should aspire to, not just as nations and also as individuals. We need to move forward and eliminate all bigoted practices.
Social Media Tips for Women's and Family Day
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