Tunisia: Thousands rally for women’s rights

Tunis: Thousands of people have rallied in Tunisia in support of women’s rights amid national debate about a landmark constitution for the Arab world. Two competing demonstrations were held in Tunis on Tuesday to mark a national day celebrating women.

The demonstration organised in support of the governing Islamist party Al Nahda drew a few hundred people, while several thousand attended another organised by groups celebrating Tunisia’s unusually women-friendly policies that preceded the Islamist leadership. No violence was reported though security was tight.

Tunisia has struggled with violence involving ultraconservative Muslims pushing for stricter Islamic policies. Tunisia is building its first constitution since an uprising that led to the Arab Spring democratic revolts. Its language on women’s rights is among sensitive issues.