Tunis - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
See above. This is the most tolerant Muslim country I've been with regards to female dress. In one family you'll see one daughter in abaya and hijab and another wearing a tight tee-shirt and jeans. - Jan 2024
Tunisia is a Muslim country although levels of religious commitment vary. Other religions are allowed by law and have freedom. Amazigh people tend to be poorer and somewhat marginalized. Gender inequality is probably the best in the region, and women are equal in law but there are still significant issues, eapecially with gender based violence and harmful social norms. Tunisia has an active feminist movement and an annual feminist festival. - Jun 2022
Yes, there's a lot of prejudice against people from sub-Saharan Africa. - May 2022
Not for me or my family. - Nov 2020
I think so, but I've not experienced. Not many issues with gender inequality. - May 2020
Unaccompanied women will get some unsolicited attention in places like downtown, the Medina. Overall though it is a much better environment for women than other places in the region. - Nov 2017
Oddly, I saw very few dark-skinned Africans in Tunis and almost no East Asians. It reminds me of pre-war times in Iraq, which was once called "the Germany of the Middle East". In other words, many of the low-paying jobs in Tunis are held by Tunisians, and that is not the case in other Middle Eastern nations. Although official statistics claim that Tunisia is 98 percent Muslim, other religions appear to be acceptable. I doubt that 98 percent figure, too, especially with the ever-present French influence. - Nov 2015
Yes, if you don't look Tunisian be prepared to get stared at. - Nov 2014
Africans (those not from northern Africa) are treated poorly and looked down on, often called monkeys and women are harassed in the streets. Women are treated as less important than men, which is not a major issue, mostly just an annoying if you are waiting in line for something and men keep stepping in front of you if you are unwilling to say something. - Jul 2013
Women seem to "wear the pants" in the marriages, from what I've seen/heard. You are not allowed to preach religion other than Islam. - Jun 2013
Tunisians are racist against Africans, so black foreigners from any country may face prejudices. Women are protected and generally treated well. The only attention they get is young men hitting on them. - Feb 2012
Not on the surface, necessarily, but that's because religion is rarely discussed in Tunisia, which is essentially a dictatorship. There is some harassment of women, especially foreign women, but nothing too offensive. - Jul 2010
Although the Tunisians say they are tolerant and not sexist, it is very clear that is not the case. - May 2010
Not that I have seen although I have heard some murmuring about people with darker complexions being discriminated against. I'm imagining that it's infrequent and subtle. - Jan 2010
