AWLI Members in Tunisia Empower Others to Fight Corruption

Tunis, Tunisia– After attending an Arab Women’s Leadership Institute (AWLI) training in Jordan in October, women from Tunisia returned home ready to combat corruption in their own country.  From November 19-27, women and civil society groups gathered in Sfax, Sousse and Tunis to find ways to ensure their country is never again controlled by corrupt ruling elite.

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“Taking a stand against corruption isn’t just a right we finally enjoy,” said Monia Ammar, an AWLI member and special assistant charged with human rights in Tunisia’s Ministry of Justice.  “It’s now your duty.”

At the three trainings, iWatch founder Ashraf Aouadi discussed how other countries fought corruption and what Tunisia could learn their experiences.  Participants also heard from Assistant Professor in Law Khalid Almajeri, who is a member of the Tunisian Commission of Inquiry of Corruption and Bribery.  Almajeri discussed the commission’s efforts to prosecute the cronies who benefited under the ben Ali’s regime. 

Following the presentations, the AWLI members walked participants through strategic action plans meant to combat the corrupt practices average citizens encounter daily.  One group suggested establishing the Clean Hands Campaign, which would oversee a hotline for Tunisians to report cases where bribes were demanded.  Another group vowed to work together to make the process of obtaining advanced education degrees more transparent.  Under the previous system, only those with political ties knew when and how to apply for scholarships and take exams, and oftentimes grades were simply bought. 

“I heard many of our participants talking about deceptive practices in the work place.  One participant said she was worried about going against her boss because he was a powerful man,” explained Siwar Aouadi, also an AWLI member.  “But after the presentations, she decided she will not be silent anymore.  She will now use the courts to fight for her – and others – rights.  I hope we help inspire many others like that.” 

In 2010, Tunisia was ranked 59 on Transparency International’s worldwide rankings.  The country credited with a diverse economy, abundant natural resources, an educated workforce and low crime rates lagged behind Middle Eastern countries like Bahrain, Jordan and Oman, and African countries like Namibia and South Africa in fighting corruption and providing transparency in its practices. 

However, 2011 has offered an opportunity for Tunisia to change its image.  In the past 12 months the nation has expelled an established but corrupt family accused of stealing millions and elected a government that, for the first-time, will be accountable to the countries citizens.  

In addition to Ammar, Almajeri, Siwar Aouadi and Ashraf Aouadi, the trainings were led by Fatma Ben Mefteh and Imen Benhamed, both AWLI members from Tunisia.  This is the second series of trainings AWLI has sponsored in Tunisia.  The first, in July, focused on how communities and governments can encourage economic development in the country. 

Established by the International Republican Institute and based in Amman, Jordan, AWLI provides women the skills, resources and connections necessary to succeed as elected or appointed officials, within civil society and as community leaders.  AWLI roots its foundation in the belief that the path toward a democratic Arab world is only possible with the integral political and social participation of women.