Tunisia: Launch of Femmedina in four Medinas

The Femmedina Inclusive City Programme aims to foster inclusive urban spaces co-designed with women in the historical neighbourhoods, known as Medinas, in cities across the MENA region.

Building upon the successful completion of the initial phase of the programme in Tunis, the initiative will now be implemented in the Tunisian cities of  Sousse, Mahdia, M'saken, and Kairouan, in partnership with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

Medinas have historically served as vital economic, social, political, and cultural centres in Tunisia. However, equal access to these opportunities is not available to all citizens. Women and girls encounter various social, cultural, and spatial barriers when seeking socio-economic prospects within the Medinas. These challenges are rooted in deep-seated gender discrimination and stereotypes that restrict their access.

Women often feel uncomfortable in male-dominated public spaces due to concerns about sexual harassment and societal expectations that confine their presence in these areas to work, shopping, or accompanying children, rather than leisure. Consequently, the Medinas fall short of being considered gender-neutral spaces.

In the second phase of Femmedina, women and girls will actively participate in mapping and analyzing existing gender inequalities in public spaces within their neighbourhoods. Capacity-building activities will be provided, and public spaces will be renovated to promote women's economic empowerment and safety. The program is scheduled to run for 2.5 years.

The launch of Phase II will take place during a press conference, where the project's objectives and expected outcomes will be introduced by partner organizations and municipalities involved.

Speakers: 

• Moez Naija, Project Coordinator, City of Sousse
• Zouheir Baklouti, Project Manager, City of Mahdia
• Moez Ghozzi, Project Manager, City of Kairouan
• Leila Ezzina, Project Manager, City of M’saken
• Ikbel Dridi, Project Manager Femmedina, Cities Alliance
• Swiss Development and Cooperation Agency (SDC)