Women trade unionists combatting the glass ceiling in (post-)revolutionary Tunisia
By Arbia Selmi
English
This article explores the mobilization of women trade unionists for access to executive positions within a major trade union, the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT), which was considered a “refuge” for political opponents of the dictatorship. In post-revolutionary Tunisia, following the adoption of a constitutional policy of gender equality, this important union, a pillar of the democratic transition, resists offering top positions to women. Based on a long-term field study (2012–2017), along with archival consultation and biographical interviews, this article traces the story of women’s internal and external campaigns to challenge the gender status quo.
Keywords
- Feminism
- Gender
- Trade unions
- Equality
- Discrimination
- Tunisia