A worthy cause!
www.equalitynow.org/tunisia_personal_status_code_of_1956?utm_campaign=tunisia_aug13&utm_medium=email&utm_source=equalitynow
(Copied from an email sent from Equality Now)
Sixty-two years ago, in 1956, Tunisia adopted the law of personal status, outlawing polygamy, and giving women equal rights around marriage, divorce and child custody. To this day, it remains one of the most progressive civil codes for Women’s Rights in North Africa and the Muslim world.
On August 13, Tunisians celebrate the National Day of Women, and the adoption of this civil code. For many, the day acknowledges what they have achieved for women’s rights in Tunisia, while recognizing there is work still to be done.
When women inherit half as much as their brothers
Tunisian inheritance law provides that any sons inherit twice as much as daughters; but it is common practice for daughters to be pressured into giving up their small share entirely.
Sex discrimination in inheritance laws threatens women and their families around the world. Discriminatory inheritance laws can lock women into a cycle of poverty, and make them dependent on male relatives.
Will 2018 be the year women will be able to rightfully inherit the same amount as men?
Today in a speech marking the National Day of Women in Tunisia, the President of Tunisia has renewed his call for equal inheritance rights:
“I propose equality inheritance to become law,” President Beji Caid Essebsi said in a speech, though he also left an opening for exceptions based on religion.
This is welcome progress in Tunisian women's fight for equality. Parliament now needs to decide on a bill and should give equal rights to women regardless of religion or any other status.
In honour of Tunisian National Women’s Day on August 13, we are asking men to donate $13, and women, $6.50 - to reflect Tunisia’s inheritance laws, and support women across the Middle East and North Africa who are fighting for equality.
"Equality is a right, not a privilege!"
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In solidarity,
Equality Now