Fethia Mzali facts for kids
Fethia Mokhtar Mzali (Arabic: فتحيّة مزالي) was an important teacher and politician from Tunisia. She was born on April 6, 1927, and passed away on February 12, 2018. In 1983, she made history by becoming one of the first two women to serve as a government minister in her country. Her husband, Mohammed Mzali, was the Prime Minister from 1980 to 1986.
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Early Life and Schooling
Fethia Mokhtar was born in Tunis on April 6, 1927. She went to primary school at a Muslim girls' school. Later, she attended the Bardo girls school. Her high school studies were interrupted by World War II. However, she finished her secondary education in 1947 at Armand Fallières High School in Nérac, France. In 1952, she earned a degree in philosophy from the Sorbonne in Paris.
A Career in Teaching and Politics
Mzali began her career as a teacher. She later became the headmistress at the Teacher's College in Tunis. She was a member of the Destour political party. She actively took part in demonstrations between 1950 and 1955. These protests helped Tunisia gain its independence.
Helping Women in Tunisia
After Tunisia became independent in 1956, Fethia Mzali helped create the National Union of Women of Tunisia. This organization worked to support women. She became the president of this group in 1974 and held the position until 1986. Some people have noted that the women's movement during this time was strongly influenced by the country's president.
Her Role in Government
In 1957, Mzali was elected as a city council member for Tunis. She served in this role for three years. She joined the main committee of the Socialist Destourian Party in 1974. In 1979, she was appointed to its governing body.
She was elected to the Chamber of Deputies (which is like a parliament) in 1974 and 1981. She represented the regions of Kairouan, Tunis, and Bizerte. From 1980 to 1984, she was elected Vice-President of the National Assembly every year.
On November 1, 1983, Mzali was appointed as the Minister for Family and Women. This happened in the government led by her husband, Prime Minister Mohammed Mzali. At the same time, Souad Yaacoubi became the Minister of Public Health. This made Fethia Mzali and Souad Yaacoubi the first two women to serve in Tunisia's government cabinet.
Mzali left her position in June 1986. This happened after her husband was dismissed from the ruling party's administration. They moved to France. Later, her husband faced legal issues, which were resolved in 2002. This allowed them to return to Tunisia.
Awards and Recognitions
In 1978, Fethia Mzali accepted the United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights. She received this award on behalf of the National Union of Tunisian Women. She also received special honors from the governments of France, Finland, and Senegal.
Personal Life
Fethia Mzali met Mohammed Mzali when they were both studying in Paris. They got married in 1950. They had six children together. Fethia Mzali passed away on February 12, 2018, at the age of 90.
See also
In Spanish: Fethia Mzali para niños
