The 2024 national population census has revealed alarming figures regarding illiteracy across several Tunisian governorates. Jendouba tops the list with an illiteracy rate of 28.5%, followed by Kairouan at 27.9%, Sidi Bouzid at 26.2%, Kasserine at 25.8%, and Siliana at 25.4%.
The data also highlight a significant gender gap: women are disproportionately affected by illiteracy in all the listed regions. In Jendouba, for example, 36.5% of women are illiterate compared to 20% of men. Similar disparities are observed in Kairouan (36.2% women vs. 19.2% men), Sidi Bouzid (34.9% vs. 17.2%), Kasserine (34.7% vs. 16.5%), and Siliana (34% vs. 16.6%).
These figures reflect deep-rooted social and regional inequalities, especially in Tunisia’s interior regions, where economic hardship and limited access to education remain pressing issues. They raise serious questions about the effectiveness of public policies aimed at combating illiteracy and underscore the urgent need for targeted, inclusive, and gender-sensitive national strategies.
In light of these findings, Tunisia faces a critical responsibility: to take decisive action to ensure equal access to education for all citizens — a fundamental pillar for sustainable development, social justice, and the reduction of inequality.
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