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When Tunisia led on women's rights

Tunisia underwent a social revolution when the President introduced a law in 1956 that changed women's lives, giving them rights that made them unique in the muslim world.

When Tunisia achieved independence it brought in a new equality law that revolutionised women's lives. In August 1956 under the socialist President Habib Bourguiba, the north African country became the first in the muslim world to legalise civil divorce and abortion and to ban polygamy. He also gave women the vote and widened access to education. Nidale Abou Mrad spoke to Saida El Gueyed a founding member of the Tunisian Women's Union who was asked by President Bourguiba to help both men and women understand how the new law would change their lives.

Photo: Courtesy of Saida El Gueyed

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9 minutes

Last on

Thu 25 Jul 2019 12:50GMT

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  • Thu 25 Jul 2019 07:50GMT
  • Thu 25 Jul 2019 12:50GMT

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