WHY “ ELLE AGISSENT” IS THE NEW VOICE FOR WOMEN FACING CLIMATE CHALLENGES
Houda Mazhoud - APEDDUB
Water scarcity is a major issue in Sidi Bouzid, a region in central Tunisia heavily impacted by climate change. The region faces severe water shortages, affecting agriculture and daily life. This scarcity hits rural women particularly hard, as they are often responsible for water collection and agricultural tasks.
With dwindling water resources, these women face increased hardships, making it difficult to sustain their families and livelihoods. The reality of rural women in Sidi Bouzid is deeply intertwined with the challenges posed by water scarcity, exacerbated by the ongoing climate crisis.
CONNECTING AND EMPOWERING : “ ELLE AGISSENT ” FOR WOMEN FACING CLIMATE CHALLENGES
Arij Boucif, an engineer in Agricultural and Agri-food Economics and Management from the National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia (INAT) and an active member of the Association for the Protection of the Environment and Direct Development of Bizerte (APEDDUB), conceptualised a groundbreaking platform named “ELLE AGISSENT.” This initiative aims to provide crucial support to women members of the GDA in Sidi Bouzid and across Tunisia.
“ELLE AGISSENT” serves as a dynamic space where GDA women can share their experiences and strategies for overcoming climate challenges, fostering a community of resilience and innovation. The platform also allows these women to showcase and sell their products, enhancing their economic opportunities. Each user can create a personalised account, log in, and access a plethora of resources and opportunities. This visionary project emerged from Arij Boucif’s rigorous work on her final year project for 2023-2024, titled “Impact Assessment of Climate Change on the Functioning of Women’s Agricultural Development Groups in Sidi Bouzid.”
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the entire team at APEDDUB, and especially to Mrs. Houda Mazhoud, for their invaluable support and commitment to the realization of this project.”
