Tunisia's Modern Woman: Nation-Building and State Feminism in the Global 1960s

Amy Aisen Kallander's book explores how Tunisian women's rights were politically appropriated by the first president, Habib Bourguiba, in 1956, and how this relates to other state-feminist projects across the Middle East and during the Cold War. It traces how the notion of modern womanhood was reformulated by women through transnational feminist organizing and in the press, proposing alternatives to the dominant constructions of state feminism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 297 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Tunisia's first president, Habib Bourguiba, initiated claims over women's liberation by introducing legal reforms related to family law in 1956. In her book, Amy Aisen Kallander explores the significance of women in post-colonial state-building projects in Tunisia and their connections to other state-feminist initiatives across the Middle East and during the Cold War. The author examines how the concept of modern womanhood played a pivotal role in various aspects, including economic development through family planning, intellectual life, and the growth of Tunisian academia. By analyzing political discourse, the women's press, fashion, and ideas about love, the book traces how women reformulated this concept through transnational feminist organizing and in the press, offering alternative perspectives to dominant constructions of state feminism.

Introduction:
The pursuit of women's liberation has been a significant theme in the history of Tunisia, with the country's first president, Habib Bourguiba, playing a pivotal role in vocalizing these claims. Bourguiba's legal reforms related to family law in 1956 marked the beginning of a political appropriation of women's rights, which would go on to shape the country's development and contribute to broader state-feminist projects across the Middle East and during the Cold War.

The Importance of Women in Post-Colonial State-Building Projects:
In her book, Amy Aisen Kallander examines the significance of women in post-colonial state-building projects in Tunisia. She argues that women were essential to the success of these projects, as they brought unique perspectives and experiences to the table. Women's participation in politics, education, and the workforce helped to promote gender equality and social progress in Tunisia.

State Feminism and Transnational Feminist Organizing:
Kallander also explores the role of state feminism in Tunisia and its connections to other state-feminist projects across the Middle East and during the Cold War. She argues that state feminism was often used as a tool to promote national identity and stability, but it often marginalized women's rights and perpetuated patriarchal structures. Transnational feminist organizing, on the other hand, provided women with a platform to challenge these dominant constructions and advocate for their rights.

Reformulation of Modern Womanhood:
The book traces how women reformulated the concept of modern womanhood through transnational feminist organizing and in the press. Women challenged traditional gender roles and stereotypes, advocating for greater rights and freedoms. They organized protests, published articles, and engaged in political activism to promote their causes. The women's press played a significant role in disseminating their ideas and raising awareness about women's rights.

Alternative Perspectives to State Feminism:
Through their transnational feminist organizing and in the press, women proposed alternative perspectives to state feminism. They challenged the notion that women's rights were solely a matter of national interest and advocated for a more inclusive and intersectional approach to gender equality. They also emphasized the importance of women's economic empowerment and the need to address issues such as domestic violence and reproductive rights.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Amy Aisen Kallander's book provides a valuable insight into the importance of women in post-colonial state-building projects in Tunisia and their connections to other state-feminist initiatives across the Middle East and during the Cold War. The book highlights the challenges faced by women in these projects and the ways in which they reformulated the concept of modern womanhood to advocate for their rights. It also emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and intersectional approach to gender equality that addresses the diverse experiences and needs of women.

Weight: 434g
ISBN-13: 9781108959490