Tunisian Parliament, Mehrezia al-Obeidi

Tunisian Parliament, Mehrezia al-Obeidi, explained that the parliament has entered history by approving the basic law on the elimination of violence against women, adding she had the honor to participate in the vote.

Al-Obaidi said, in statements for Arabs Today, that she thanks the women activists for enshrining the rights of women, who had been subjected to swearing during the constitution-making period, because they demanded equality and because they argued that chapter 46 must stipulate that the state must assume its responsibilities in eliminating violence against women.

Al-Obeidi said that the deputies must evoke every woman worker in the agricultural sector and every woman suppressed by the regime, but her voice was blatant, and every woman abused by her husband at night and left her home, and every girl in the countryside is deprived of study.

She said the law was not against men, nor against the family, but for the couple to coexist in respect.

She mentioned symbols of Tunisian women who made history like Alissa, the barbarian priest, Arwa Kairouaniya, Safia Farahat, Mahzariah Ghadab, Bashaer Ben Mourad, Radia Haddad, Bouchra Belhadj Hamida and others. She pointed out that the law aims to avoid legal loopholes from devoting protection and criminalizing violence against women. "It enshrines the contents of international treaties ratified by Tunisia," she added. The MP paid tribute to the working women.

The MP pointed out that Tunisian women are the basis of the family and society and that they raise, sponsor, teach and protect the child, and if they do not have all the means to play this role, they will not be able to do it. She pointed out that what is required is a law that helps build a balanced society and makes women comfortable and protected.

Al-Obeidi explained that women suffer from violence whether in relation or violence due to the conservative culture that views women as inferior. "In the absence of the state, we see many Tunisian women who are subjected to violence and apostasy without the ability to defend their rights," she indicated.

She pointed out that Tunisian women have received a number of rights today because of their struggles and patience.