Across the globe, the hard-won gains in gender equality, including access to reproductive healthcare, are facing unprecedented rollback. Yet, even as governments and anti-rights movements restrict freedoms, a determined wave of activists is fighting back. As International Women’s Day approaches, the resilience and unwavering commitment of those on the front lines of this battle are particularly poignant. The core message echoing from these advocates, like that of Tunisian doctor and activist Selma Hajri, is simple: “retain going, there’s no other way.”
Hajri, 71, a physician and feminist, embodies this spirit. Fifteen years ago, she founded the TAWHIDA Ben Cheikh Group, an association dedicated to sexual and reproductive rights in Tunisia. She remains the General Secretary, continuing a decades-long commitment to reproductive health. Her work extends beyond national borders, having established a regional network connecting activists and healthcare professionals across the southern Mediterranean, with an eye toward collaboration with northern Mediterranean regions. This network, she proudly states, is the first of its kind in the region specifically addressing abortion rights, a testament to her pioneering efforts. More information about the TAWHIDA Ben Cheikh Group can be found on their website.
A Pioneer in Reproductive Rights
Tunisia has long been considered a regional leader in women’s rights, having legalized first-trimester abortion and made it freely available since the 1960s, shortly after gaining independence. A comprehensive legal framework and a dedicated public institution were established in 1973 to provide these services. However, Hajri cautions that legal protections do not always translate into practical access. She notes a concerning decline in public services, making abortion increasingly tricky to obtain, particularly outside the capital city of Tunis. The deterioration of the public health sector, exacerbated by ongoing economic crises, forces many women to seek expensive private care, creating a significant barrier to access for those with limited financial resources.
Currently, Hajri and her organization are focusing on strengthening the capacity of existing healthcare providers – midwives and doctors – through tailored training programs informed by international best practices. These programs emphasize clarifying values and addressing misconceptions surrounding abortion. The focus is on improving the quality of care available, particularly for young and marginalized women who face the greatest obstacles to access, often relying heavily on dwindling public services.
The Battle for Verbalization and Allies
A significant challenge for Hajri and the TAWHIDA Ben Cheikh Group is building broader support for their cause. While Tunisia allows for open expression, raising awareness and mobilizing civil society around sexual and reproductive rights remains difficult. “We are still working to make abortion a priority issue among feminists in our country,” Hajri explains, noting that abortion remains a deeply ingrained taboo, even among women and feminist circles. This is further complicated by a conservative government that resists engagement with international organizations and restricts access to available funding.
“That is why our main battle today is verbalisation: we must talk about abortion, we must talk about sexuality, because it is an essential part of women’s lives,” Hajri asserts. She highlights the crucial role organizations like Amnesty International, with their decades-long commitment to human rights, can play in recognizing the centrality of sexual and reproductive health and rights in the broader fight for gender equality.
What sustains Hajri through these challenges? “Fighting for our rights still gives me a reason to live,” she says with conviction. Her message to younger activists is a call to perseverance: “keep going, keep going, keep going. Despite the many difficulties and obstacles, there’s no other way.”
Listen to more stories from abortion rights activists.
The struggle for reproductive rights is a global one and Hajri’s story is a powerful reminder of the dedication and resilience required to navigate increasingly complex political landscapes. As International Women’s Day 2026 approaches, under the theme “Rights, Justice, Action: For All Women and Girls,” as outlined by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the IOM is highlighting the importance of collective action. The coming months will be critical as activists continue to advocate for policies that protect and expand access to reproductive healthcare, facing down opposition and striving to ensure that the fundamental rights of women and girls are upheld.
If you are affected by the issues raised in this story, or are seeking support, resources are available. You can uncover information and assistance through organizations like Amnesty International and local reproductive health providers.
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