Since the revolution in 2011, Tunisia has experienced an unprecedented democratic transition. This has since paved the way for remarkable socio-economic and political changes that have offered democratization prospects that Oxfam has been supporting since 2012.
However, despite this transition and the reforms that have accompanied it, inequalities have steadily increased, especially at the expense of the most vulnerable and the most deprived.
Women, youth and the most marginalized populations are in Oxfam’s vision the main actors of change leading to building an effective, equal and inclusive society. The diversity of their experiences has endowed them with a unique expertise which should be recognized and valued. By becoming active citizens, they will have the necessary capacities to claim their rights and will be able to engage in reducing socio-economic and gender inequalities. Together with strong, vibrant and inclusive civil society organizations, and in alliance with other local, national, regional or global actors, they have unique potential to promote the principle of political accountability and a State that guarantees a dignified life free from discrimination to its people.
To achieve this, Oxfam is committed with its partners to work for a change in policies, practices, attitudes and social norms. These changes can contribute to reducing the marginalization of the most vulnerable categories and help them practice their rights effectively, as well as influencing the evolution of cultural, political, social and economic models.
Building the capacity of individuals, communities, and organizations is critical to ensure awareness, inclusive engagement and an effective influence of processes to bring sustainable changes by addressing the root causes of inequalities.
Oxfam in Tunisia
Download the Oxfam in Tunisia Annual Report 2019 (available only in Arabic)
Oxfam in Tunisia has a dual mandate, development and advocacy and its 2015-2019 strategy focuses on four programmatic pillars:
Gender justice and women's empowerment
The priorities of this program are:
- Elimination of gender-based violence
- Women, peace and security
- Women's political participation
- Defense of individual rights and freedoms
Citizen mobilization for governance models and socio-economic policies that reduce inequalities
The priorities of this program are:
- Citizen participation
- Tax Justice
- Budget monitoring
- Decentralization
- Migrations and Human Mobility
Strengthening and supporting a free, open and influential space for civil society
The priorities of this program are:
- Citizen influence
- Protection of civil society
- Political accountability
- Youth participation
Economic justice
The priorities of this program are:
- Decent work
- Women economic empowerment
Gender mainstreaming is a fundamental value and approach promoted by Oxfam to its partners, placing women's rights and feminist principles at the heart of all of its work. In addition to its Gender Justice program, Oxfam applies a mainstreamed gender-based approach. This entails the integration of an in-depth analysis of gender and power, explicit objectives regarding gender justice and women's rights, as well as specific measures to combat gender-based structural discrimination, and not only its symptoms.
Oxfam in Tunisia is also part of the global campaigns of the confederation and in particular: