Woman tapped as head of Presidential Diwan in Tunisia
A woman has been appointed as head of the Presidential Diwan for the first time since Tunisia’s 1956 independence.
TUNIS, Tunisia — Salma Elloumi Rekik assumed her post as head of the presidential diwan Nov. 1. She replaced Salim Elezabi, who resigned Oct. 9 due to his opposing the policy adopted by Hafez Caid Essebsi, the executive director of Nidaa Tunis and son of President Beji Caid Essebsi.
Rekik, a 62-year-old businesswoman, served as minister of tourism and handicrafts for three years. She will be the first woman to head the presidential diwan, which oversees the work of the president's advisers, since Tunisia’s 1956 independence. President Essebsi appointed her to the post Oct. 21.
Rekik has survived four Cabinet reshuffles, which were lobbied for by several opposition parties and the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT).
Bushra Belhaj Hamida, an official spokeswoman for the presidency, told Al-Monitor that the appointment of Rekik is an important step toward empowering women in politics. “Women need to be granted sovereign ministries,” she said.
