Tunisia is preparing to take a major step toward greater social justice.
Following a meeting held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the Carthage Palace between President Kaïs Saied and Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri, the expansion of social coverage to historically marginalized groups was officially identified as a national priority.
Among the measures discussed was a draft bill aimed at ensuring social protection for female agricultural workers, construction site laborers (commonly referred to as “construction workers”), and other populations who have long been excluded from any form of social security.
The announcement reflects a clear political will to address decades of systemic exclusion and economic insecurity.
The President emphasized that these women and men—silent drivers of the national economy—have been neglected for far too long. He stressed the urgent need to end social disparities and guarantee a minimum standard of dignity for every Tunisian, regardless of professional status or geographic location.
The proposed initiative, which is expected to take shape through legislative reforms in the coming months, aims to integrate these groups into existing social security mechanisms, particularly in terms of retirement, health care, and medical insurance.
It also seeks to officially recognize their economic and social contributions.
The stakes are high: according to recent estimates, tens of thousands of female farm workers and day laborers operate in the informal sector—without contracts, insurance, or social rights.
Most endure strenuous working conditions, with no safety net in case of accidents, illness, or old age.
This initiative is part of a broader agenda of social reform championed by Tunisia’s executive leadership.
President Saied has repeatedly stated that the ongoing legislative revolution must be accompanied by an administrative and social transformation that places human dignity at the center of public policy.
The government will now have to refine the practical implementation of this ambitious project, including defining eligibility criteria, establishing contribution systems suitable for low-income populations, and setting up monitoring tools on the ground.
It is a complex undertaking, but one long awaited by those directly affected.
By extending social coverage in this way, Tunisia is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive state—one that is attentive to its most vulnerable citizens.
It sends a powerful message of hope to all those who, until now, have worked in the shadows of the legal system.
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