Three Lessons From the Women Who Rebuilt Tunisia’s Constitution

Constitution-reform processes provide states and citizens a rare opportunity to define a new vision for a country. They can chart a route out of conflict toward a more equitable and just society. But this bright horizon is too often unrealized, hampered by the fact that women make up only 19 percent of constituent assemblies in countries experiencing unrest.

After its 2011 revolution, Tunisia broke this mold by electing women into 31 percent of the seats in its constitution-making body, with many more influencing the process from outside its halls. Inclusive Security Deputy Director Olivia Holt-Ivry and Nanako Tamaru describe how women shaped Tunisia’s constitution into arguably the most progressive of the Arab world and offer three lessons for women in Syria and other states likely to undergo constitution reform.

Read the full article on the Ms. Magazine blog »

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