The Netherlands and Tunisia are joining forces to help Mali and Yemen promote women’s rights and sex education. An agreement to this effect was concluded at a meeting between Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Lilianne Ploumen and the Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Mongi Hamdi. This undertaking is part of a larger effort by Ms Ploumen to support other countries on these issues.
‘Mali and Yemen are behind the times when it comes to women’s rights and good sex education. A greater focus on these issues is essential to these countries’ development. I’m happy to be able to lend my support, together with my Tunisian counterpart,’ said Ms Ploumen after signing a letter of intent with Dr Hamdi.
Preventing maternal mortality, combating sexual violence and promoting good family planning are all elements of this joint Dutch-Tunisian programme. As an Arab country with a majority Muslim population, Tunisia is better positioned than a Western country like the Netherlands to offer progressive messages to Mali and Yemen in these areas. This type of ‘triangular partnership’ represents a new form of development cooperation.
Over the past few years Tunisia has been undergoing a successful process of democratisation, serving as a regional role model. The Netherlands supports Tunisia on this front and regards it as a partner in the fight against Islamic extremism.
