Demographic Shift in Tunisia: Women Now Majority of Population
In 2024, Tunisia has a population of 11.97 million, with women making up 50.7% of the population, surpassing men who account for 49.3%. This demographic shift is largely due to women's longer life expectancy, resulting in a higher number of women in older age groups.
Education: A Key Factor in Women's Advancement
Education has confirmed women's progress, with a school enrollment rate of 99.19% for girls and 99.03% for boys among 6-14 year olds, nearing parity. However, in higher education, women dominate, making up 57.4% of graduates. In certain fields, such as health and social services (72%) and education (72.5%), women are significantly overrepresented. Nevertheless, illiteracy remains a challenge, with 17.3% of the population affected, and among those 60 and older, one in two women cannot read or write.
Labor Market: Significant Inequality
The labor market reveals stark inequality, with men's participation rate reaching 63.5%, nearly double that of women (33.6%). Women's unemployment rate is also higher, at 24.6% compared to 13.1% for men, with even more pronounced disparities in rural areas where one in three women is unemployed. Even female university graduates are more affected, with 23% unemployed compared to 12.8% of their male counterparts.
Young Women: A Vulnerable Group
Among 15-34 year olds, 37.3% of women are classified as "NEET" (not in employment, education, or training), more than double the rate for men (18.4%). In terms of living conditions, nearly all households have access to electricity (99.8%) and drinking water (91%). Women slightly benefit more from social coverage (69.8% compared to 63.5%), a vital safety net in case of inactivity or vulnerability.
Digital Access: A Key to Empowerment
Finally, access to digital technology appears to be a lever for empowerment, with 77.4% of women having used the internet in the past three months, compared to 75.8% of men.
