The Sorbonne University has hosted a conference to mark the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the Tunisian Code of Personal Status.
The Code, introduced shortly after independence in 1956, cemented the rights of women, banning practices such as polygamy, forced marriages and summary divorce proceedings outside a court of law.
Philippe Seguin, president of the French National Audit Office, pointed out the achievements of Tunisian women empowered by the code and praised president Ben Ali "for having held fast against those advocating a return backwards".
He described Tunisia's record on women's rights as "a message of hope" at a time when the international community has been "shocked by the regression of women's rights in many countries".
The conference was attended by academics, diplomats, and NGO spokespeople.
Foremost among female participants was Leila Khayat, CEO of a major industrial group who observed that 10,000 Tunisian women today act as CEOs.
Earlier this month, Tunisian representatives attended a Euro-Mediterranean ministerial conference in Istanbul on strengthening the societal position of women.
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Personal status conference
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