Request For Applications for: Public Awareness Activities on Tunisia’s Gender Based Violence Law by Civil Society Organizations and Legal Aid Organizations/Lawyers ABA Rule of Law Initiative عودة إلى الفرص

In July 2017, Tunisia made a landmark stride in acknowledging violence against women (VAW) as an endemic problem plaguing its society by passing the “Basic Law on the Elimination of Violence Against Women” (VAW Law). The law, which passed as a result of years of advocacy from civil society, is considered a landmark step for women’s rights in Tunisia as it comprehensively addresses the various forms of gender-based violence including physical, moral, political, economic, and social violence. This is crucial as a 2011 study conducted by the National Office of Family and Population indicates that 47% of women have experienced domestic violence (physical, psychological, sexual, and economic) at some point in their lives. A 2017 study by the Center for Research, Studies, Documentation and Information on Women (CREDIF) also found that 53.5% of Tunisian women have experienced physical and sexual violence in public spaces. While many of these women have experienced violence, their knowledge of the avenues and paths for relief or assistance and the protections and rights afforded to them under the law is weak. Overcoming these challenges requires increased awareness of the law, especially protections afforded to victims, and of the legal consequences for men perpetrating violence.

The Rule of Law Initiative Tunisia on behalf of American Bar Association open a request for proposal for CSO and legal aid organizations /Lawyers to conduct  public awareness activities on Law 58 of 2017 on the Elimination of Violence Against Women to increase public knowledge about the gender based violence and the rights and protections afforded under the law.