Tunisia

In spite of advances – and specific provisions in the 2014 constitution – women’s participation in the economy and in politics is substantially lower than men’s. Underpinned by gender stereotypes that describe men as the breadwinners, critical issues include discrimination in the labour market, wage disparities, limited access to economic resources – including loans to start or expand businesses – and low levels of social protection for families headed by women.

In Tunisia, the World Food Programme (WFP) is providing technical support and advice to the Government in its work to strengthen social protection programmes as a tool to enhance social cohesion.

The national school meals programme is central to efforts to improve nutrition, support communities in rural areas and promote the empowerment of women. Through the sourcing of up to 30 percent of the food served in school canteens from school gardens tended by community-based organizations – mainly made up of local women – WFP is improving the nutritional value of school meals, while boosting local economies and the participation in women in them. Further employment opportunities are created by involving local unemployed youths in the delivery of meals prepared in centralized canteens.

Tunisia’s ongoing education sector reform puts school meals in a cornerstone position, and sees the school as the children’s first point of contact with the state. A positive experience at school can foster the children’s love for their country, and build a sense of justice and belonging. WFP supports the Government in its efforts for enhanced national school meals to contribute to ensuring long-term social cohesion, peace and stability.