The Migration of Women in Tunisia: Between Tradition and Modernity

Abstract

The Tunisian government has shown great political will in order to include the integration of women in sustainable human development. Several measures have been introduced, including social and economic plans, in order to improve the situation of women and strengthen their presence, their powers and their capacities in different areas. The results were rapid and remarkable in all areas, particularly in terms of education. However, gender equality remains today an elusive goal. The situation of women is still fragile and influenced by an immutable social heritage that has had an effect on women’s migration. Using descriptive and multivariate analysis, in this chapter I have tried to analyze, the evolution of women’s position in Tunisia and how it influences their perception on migration. I use individual data from the PAPFAM survey 2001 and the official statistics of the censuses and other surveys published by the National Institute of Statistics in Tunisia.

Appendix

Presentation (display) of variables used in the data analysis: Variables to be explained
CVS	Single woman can live alone (1, OAC (Yes with conditions); 2, OSC (Yes unconditional); 3 Not)
FVSE	Allows the girl to live alone abroad (1, OSC (Yes unconditional); 2, OAC (Yes with condition); 3, Not)
Basic variables
GOUV	Governorate Tunis, Aryanah, Ben Arous, Mannouba (District of Tunis (the North of Tunisia)); Nabeul, Bizerte, Zaghouan (northeast) Jendouba, Kef, Siliana, Bejà (northwest) Sousse, Monastir, Mahdia, Sfax (east central region) Sidi Bouzid, Kasserine, Kerouan (west central region) Gabes, Medenine, Tataouine (southeast) Gafsa, Kebelli, Tozeur (southwest)
Environment	Place of residence (1, Urbain; 2, Countryman)
Inst	Academic level of the women (0, ANALPH (Illiterate); 1, PRIM (Primary school); 2, DRY (Secondary school); 3, SUP (Higher education))
GA	Age group of the woman (1, [16–29]; 2, [30–39]; 3, [40–49])
Analysis 1	The relation and the gender relationship within the couple
SRMAR	Her status compared to that of her mother with regard to the relation with the husband (1, Her(It) ( His status); 2, Mother (The status of her mother); 3, Other)
SRMEN	Her status compared to that of her mother with regard to spots housewife (1, Her(It) ( Her status); 2, Mother (The status of her mother); 3, Other)
SBD	Her status compared to that of her mother with regard to decisions and needs (1, Her(It) ( His status); 2, Mother (The status of her mother); 3, Other)
DPM	Discuss with the husband the problems of the house (1, Always; 2, Sometimes; 3, Not)
DF	Discuss with the husband finance questions (1, Always; 2, Sometimes; 3, Not)
AE	Have living children (1, Yes; 2, Not)
DA	Difference in age between the spouses (1, Ag_F=Ag_H>; 2, H_dif=5ans<; 3, H_dif5ans>)
AM	Age at marriage of the woman (0, Other; =1, 20ans<)
LP	Family ties (1, Lien_p; 2, Pas_lien_p)
Analysis 2	Other questions of gender and degrees of attachment of the woman in the traditional corporate(social) standards
AEPI	Do accept that the woman can be more educated than her husband (1, Not; 2, Normal; 3, Other)
AGEP	You accept that the woman earns more her husband (1, Not; 2, Normal; 3, Other)
IM	Academic level of the husband (0, ANALPH (Illiterate); 1, PRIM (Primary school); 2, DRY (Secondary school); 3, SUP (Higher education))
DI	Difference of instruction between spouses (0, the same academic level; 1, the woman is more educated; 2, the husband is more educated)
AMF (AUTORITÉ DES MARCHÉS FINANCIERS)	Suitable age of marriage for the girl (0, Other; =1, 20ans<)
DEG	The desired sex of the child (0, Other; 1, Girls; 2, Even; 3, Boys)
EMF	Chosen marriage or education for the girl (1, Education; 2, Girl’s Decision; 3, Other)
FME	Modern woman has a high level of educational and culture (1, Yes; 2, Not)
Analysis 3	Question of gender linked to the economic activity
TAVAP	Current economic situation and before (1, AV & AP (work before and after); 2, AV (work before and now not); 3, AP (work now and before not); 4, Never (ever work))
PCT	The person who controls the right to work (1, The woman; 2, Her husband; 3, Couple decision; 4, Other)
CTM	Woman can reconcile between her work and her home (1, Yes; 2, Not; 0, Other)
TH	Is there a job for men only (1, Yes; 2, Not; 0, Other)