On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, the Health, Social Affairs, Women, Family and Persons with Disabilities Committee of the Assembly of the People’s Representatives (ARP) held an important session to discuss the draft law concerning the establishment of specific rules for voluntary early retirement for women working in the private sector. This meeting saw the participation of the president of the National Union of Tunisian Women, Radhia Jerbi, accompanied by several senior officials of the organization.
An initiative in the service of women’s rights, but with reservations
During her address, the president of the Union stressed that although this initiative rests on humanitarian and social principles, it remains risky. Indeed, she pointed to the dangers that such reform could pose to the financial balance of social security funds, noting that encouraging early retirement could also contravene constitutional principles such as equality and equal opportunity.
A model to be reconsidered in light of the Tunisian reality
Radhia Jerbi explained that many countries encouraged early retirement to refresh human capital, create jobs for young people, or to offer incentives to retiree women to start projects or retrain. However, she noted that the situation in Tunisia, marked by a high unemployment rate and a substantial deficit in the finances of social security funds, does not allow for the immediate implementation of such a measure.
She also highlighted the challenges posed by the low integration of women into the labor market due to late education and the persistent influence of gender stereotypes. According to her, the early retirement policy risks widening inequalities, both between genders and within the group of women themselves.
Figures that are striking: the place of Tunisian women in science and education
Despite the challenges, the president of the Union recalled the significant advances made by Tunisian women in key fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Indeed, Tunisian women hold top positions in several sectors and rank among the world leaders in terms of women graduates in the scientific disciplines, with a 66% share of women in universities.
However, this success in education often runs up against delays in access to the labor market and a still high social pressure regarding family roles. This situation, according to Radhia Jerbi, hampers the full integration of women into the professional world.
Members of parliament express their support, but details are needed
During the debate, several deputies stressed that the bill did not force women to take early retirement, but aimed to offer them an additional option, notably by removing the requirement of having three children to benefit from this right. They clarified that this measure did not provide for the obligation to retire at age 50, but remained a voluntary option.
Furthermore, the lawmakers stressed that the financial impact of this reform would be minimal, given the small number of women affected in the private sector. They also suggested that funding for social security funds could be strengthened by recovering debts owed by companies.
Calls for reflection and improvement of women’s working conditions
Despite the divergences, the Association of Tunisian Women highlighted alternative proposals to improve the situation of women, by revising working conditions and adjusting working hours to better fit the demands of family life. They suggested the possibility of granting retirement credits based on the years spent raising children, while emphasizing the need to review work practices in sectors such as crafts and industry, so as to integrate a better social security system there.
Conclusion and recommendations
The meeting ended on a note of cooperation, with deputies praising the Union’s responsible approach to reform, while calling for further discussions to refine the bill. Additional sessions will be organized to explore various approaches and solutions that will ensure better care for women in the private sector, while respecting the principles of social justice and equality.
