Celebrate Tunis’ Women’s Day With These Leading Icons

Today is Tunisia’s National Women’s Day. On this very day, in 1956, several laws were put in place to promote gender equality under the Code of Personal Status. Tunisian women have been making huge strides in bringing forth female representation in everything from sports to the arts. To celebrate this day, we have curated a special collection of Tunisian women making it big in their country and worldwide.

Ons Jabeur

Ons Jabeur catapulted into the tennis spotlight last year when she became the first Arab to reach the final of a Grand Slam tournament, becoming a symbol of female empowerment and resilience. Jabeur was introduced to tennis at age three by her mother, now she’s breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation of aspiring athletes. Her achievements on the tennis court have positioned Tunisia as a rising force in the international sports arena.

Her shot-selection, and her ability to execute them, prompted those in her junior days to call her Roger Federer after the Swiss superstar’s similar ability to play the ball rather than the opponent. Though only 28, Jabeur is already a three-time Olympian.

Mayssem Marzouki

At the very young age of 19, Maysseem proved to be a powerhouse. She is not only a prominent Tunisian environmentalist but she is also the CEO and founder of Chai Kbir. This company creates blends of tea and herbs using fresh ingredients that are locally sourced from Tunisian farms. One of her products called ImmuniTea mainly utilizes orange peels, a very natural and healthy source of vitamins.

She cares about ensuring that these products are natural, chemical free and are made in a way that is friendly to the environment.

Dora Bouchoucha Fourati 

A young woman who went from struggling at a male-dominated school in Tunis’ village of Manouba to changing the narrative and becoming one of the first female Tunisian producers during the 1990s. Founding her very own production company called Nomadis Images in 1995, she has been picking out films that place a lense on Arab stories and people who do not usually get representation.

Dora has been creating a wide range of documentaries that shine a light on topics, her films are powerful and renowned and were selected to be premiered in some of the most prominent film festivals including Cannes and the Berlin Film Festival.

Dorsaf Ganoiati

When it comes to the world of football, you would not usually hear of a woman officiating a match. Yet, Tunisia’s Dorsaf Ganoiati broke that mold on May 2017 when she became the very first Arab woman to referee a men’s football match. The match was between Stade Tunisien and Union Monastir. This is however, not her first forte, in the past, she refereed many women’s football matches.

“When I am given a chance I have to prove myself. If I fail they might not give other women the chance, and if I succeed, I will be given other chances and other women will be as well.”

Dorsaf Via Emirates Woman

Inès Boubakri

The title of “Olympian” is one of the most prestigious in the world, and Inès Boubakri recognizes and appreciates the significance of this recognition. As a young Arab athlete, she made history at the 2016 Olympics in Rio by becoming the first Tunisian and African woman to win an Olympic medal in fencing. Her exceptional performance in the women’s individual foil event earned her a well-deserved bronze placement. Boubakri’s accomplishments extend beyond the Olympics, as she has also secured bronze medals at two World Championships, one before and one after Rio.

She dedicated her medals in Rio to all Arab women, and she hopes that her success will motivate others to surround themselves with supportive individuals who encourage them to set goals and strive for greatness.

Hasna Kourda

AI is becoming quite a popular buzzword with the current advances in today’s technology. Startups and applications making use of this intelligent software are continuing to be on the rise. In the world of sustainability, Hasna Kourda dipped her toes into this tech to create Save Your Wardrobe. This app cares about one thing, ensuring that your clothes get a longer shelf life in your closet.

Using AI technology, the app recommends users virtual wardrobes based on the user’s lifestyle, previous purchase data as well as current weather. The aim is to figure out ways for the user to re-use and wear the clothes they already have in new, fun ways. Hasna is all about fashion sustainability as she attempts to put a stop to excessive shopping and consumption. Her ingenuity and creativity may inspire more women to create their very own AI-fueled App.

Emel Mathlouthi

A woman with a patriotic heart, Emel, a Tunisian singer and songwriter, uses her beautiful voice to convey her longing for freedom and justice for her people and country of Tunisia. She has been dubbed the “Voice of the Tunisian Revolution”, creating powerful songs such as Kelmti Horra which became Tunisia’s anthem for the 2010 revolution.

Today, she attempts to bring the Arab voice to the West with her new album that focuses on the power of humanity. Her songs engender a sense of hope for the Tunisian people and gives them strength.

The achievements of these influential Tunisian women are leaving an indelible mark on society and inspiring future generations. 

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