Tunisia: Rise in Femicide Alarms Women’s Rights Groups

Tunisia has witnessed a disturbing rise in femicide, with 15 cases reported since the beginning of the year. This alarming trend, according to the National Union of Tunisian Women (UNFT), is fueled by a combination of factors, including poverty, economic hardship, and the lingering effects of patriarchal attitudes. The UNFT points to the lack of equality education and awareness surrounding human rights as key contributors to the problem. Experts believe that the existing law against violence against women is sometimes ineffective, leading to a reluctance among women to seek justice for fear of retaliation. The UNFT calls for more comprehensive measures, including education reform, economic empowerment programs, and increased awareness campaigns to address the root causes of this growing crisis.