Tunisia endorses gender equality and protection of women & Speaker of the House, Nabih Berri, hopes for a similar move in Lebanon

The Tunisian Constituting Assembly endorsed last Thursday a new chapter in the Tunisian Constitution which recognizes gender equality and brings in gender parity in representation in elected councils.  Indeed, Chapter 45 of the new text voted by 116 out of 188 stipulates the following “The state is committed to the protection of acquired rights for women and works to support and develop her. The state shall endeavour to achieve the principle of parity between men and women in elected councils. The state shall take measures to ensure the elimination of violence against women”. The Constituting Assembly had also adopted a historical amendment namely clause 20 voted by 159 of 169 parliamentarians namely that: “All male and female citizens have the same rights and duties. They are equal before the law without discrimination”
Lebanese Speaker of the House, Mr. Nabih Berri, congratulated the President of the Constituent Assembly of Tunisia, Mustapha Ben Jafar, for the major achievement of consecrating gender equality in the text of the Constitution.  He also hoped that Arab constitutional bodies will emulate Tunisia in ensuring gender equality and in abolishing discriminatory laws.  Berri further hoped that Lebanon will be the first to follow suit.
Source: Al-Nahar 14 January 2014