Progress Amid Resistance

506 WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICAcharacteristics that are part of the national motto. That said, a degree offreedom of expression exists within the structure of the different politicalparties, national associations, and numerous nongovernmental organizations.The National Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists was created inJanuary 2008 with a mandate to improve the work conditions of journalistsand to further promote freedom of the press. Gender equality is frequentlydiscussed in newspapers, on the radio, and on television. The media doesnot shy away from portraying the difficulties that women experience intheir domestic life, in their workplace, and in the public sphere.Women’s governmental and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)appear to be working effectively to promote the status of women throughoutthe country, but as most Tunisian civil society actors, they face certainconstraints on their associational rights. Under the country’s laws of association,persons wishing to form an association must submit an applicationto the Ministry of Interior that includes: a declaration mentioningthe name, objectives, and the physical location of the association; a list offounding members and any directors or administrative staff, along withan address, date of birth, and profession for each; and the statutes of theassociation. Some types of organizations repeatedly face obstructions intrying to become legally established; the government refuses to legalizemost independent human rights organizations. Despite these constraints,however, women’s groups and Tunisian feminists continue to push forgreater rights, and their numbers have been on the rise.RecommendationsF Participation by women in politics should be encouraged at all levels ofgovernment and decision making, especially at a local level.F Political parties should institute more proactive efforts to recruit women.Female party members should form special subcommittees and internalnetworks so they would be able to influence the parties’ agenda moresuccessfully.F The government should institute better protections for freedom of as -sociation and freedom of the press so that all issues pertinent to women’spolitical rights and civil liberties are openly discussed.F The government and the NGO sector should organize special leadershipcamps for girls and train them in public speaking, networking,and other skills necessary for success in politics.