In Tunisia, despite the adoption in 2019 of a law aimed at regulating the transport of agricultural women, fatal accidents continue to occur. These women, who represent nearly 80% of the workforce in the agricultural sector, go to their workplace crammed 20 or 30 into pickup trucks. This extremely dangerous transport practice has already cost the lives of 55 women and injured 796 between 2015 and 2023, according to a study carried out by the Economic and Social Rights Forum.
This worrying situation demonstrates a real failure in the protection of these women workers. Despite the existence of a law, working conditions remain very difficult and the risk of accidents is always present. Poor roads, overloaded vehicles, and drivers’ avoidance of police make law enforcement difficult if not impossible.
The testimonies of these agricultural women are poignant. They describe precarious working conditions, miserable pay and constant insecurity. Naziha Kamel, an agricultural worker at Souk Jedid in Sidi Bouzid, says she leaves her house every day without knowing if she will return alive in the evening. Fatiha Chouihi, originally from Médenine, testifies to the difficult working conditions and the little consideration given to women in this sector.
There is an urgent need to take measures to protect these agricultural women. Unions, non-governmental organizations and civil society have already raised this issue on several occasions. Hayet Attar, from the Economic and Social Rights Forum, emphasizes that it is necessary to revise the legislative system governing agricultural workers and find a radical solution for the transport of these women. A collective commitment from all ministries is essential to bring about concrete and lasting changes.
This situation highlights a broader issue: the condition of women in the agricultural world in Tunisia. These women face difficult working conditions, insufficient wages and a lack of social protection. It is essential to pay particular attention to their rights and put in place concrete measures to improve their working conditions.
In conclusion, it is essential to take urgent measures to protect agricultural women in Tunisia. Regulation of transport is a first step, but it is necessary to go further and revise the work system as a whole. These women deserve to be recognized, respected and protected in their daily professional lives. It is time to act to put an end to this injustice and offer them dignified and secure working conditions.