Title: Ensuring the safety of agricultural women in Tunisia: a challenge to be met
Introduction :
The agricultural sector in Tunisia relies largely on the work of women, who represent nearly 80% of the workforce. However, despite the adoption of a law in 2019 to regulate their transport, fatal accidents continue to occur. This worrying situation highlights the need to take urgent measures to ensure the safety of women farmers in the country.
Difficult working conditions:
Many agricultural women face difficult working conditions. They go to their workplace crowded into pickup trucks, a very dangerous means of transport. Between 2015 and 2023, 55 women lost their lives in road accidents and 796 were injured. These alarming figures demonstrate the failure of the authorities to protect these women and guarantee their safety.
Poignant testimonies:
When agricultural women are given the floor, their feelings are unanimous: they are faced with many difficulties. Naziha Kamel, agricultural worker at Souk Jedid in Sidi Bouzid, expresses her despair over precarious working conditions and dangerous transport. She testifies: “When I leave my house, I don’t know if I will return alive in the evening.” These women face miserable wages, harsh working conditions, sometimes without adequate equipment, and a lack of social security coverage.
Obstacles to overcome:
Despite the measures taken, things are slow to change and the safety of agricultural women is still compromised. The roads are in poor condition, the pickup trucks are overloaded and the drivers are trying to escape police control. The law on the transport of agricultural women is not enough to guarantee their safety. It is necessary to thoroughly review the work system of female agricultural workers and find radical solutions to resolve the transport issue.
Recommendations to improve the situation:
The Economic and Social Rights Forum, after carrying out an in-depth study on the issue, offers concrete recommendations to ensure the safety of agricultural women. It is essential to review the existing legislative system and obtain the cooperation of all relevant ministries. It is also essential to involve civil society to support agricultural women in their fight for their rights. Finally, the implementation of concrete measures to improve working conditions and ensure adequate social coverage for agricultural women is essential.
Conclusion :
The safety of agricultural women in Tunisia is a major challenge that requires urgent action. The fatal accidents they face are unacceptable and demonstrate the failure of the measures in place. It is imperative to thoroughly review the work and transport system of agricultural women, involving all the stakeholders concerned. Only concrete measures and a strong commitment from civil society will guarantee the security and well-being of these women who contribute greatly to the country’s agricultural sector.