Ghribi's Olympic Success 'A Gift To All Tunisian Women'
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Last Monday's National Women's Day served as a reminder of how far the struggle for gender equality has come in Tunisia and the challenges it still faces. In a country where gender equality is sometimes constrained by societal and Islamist forces, Ghribi's Olympic success – just days before Women's Day – felt like a liberating moment.
"Just before Women's Day, Habiba's historical silver medal came as a gift to all Tunisian women while they celebrate the important day. She has proven that despite all hardships Tunisian women can earn their spot as pioneers in every field," declared Sihem Badi, the Tunisian Minister of Women's Affairs, on the official Facebook page of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Winning the 3000m steeplechase silver medal, Ghribi became the first Tunisian female ever to win an Olympic medal. "I dedicate my medal to my family, the free Tunisia, the Arab world, and all Arab and Tunisian Women," announced Ghribi on the Tunisian TV show Labess.
While the eyes of the world are fixed on Tunisia's post-revolution achievements, the connection between the debates over women's rights in the constitution and Ghribi's Olympic success cannot be denied. Just last week, a draft of Article 28 revealed that women may be defined as 'complementary,' not equal, to men.
But defying any questions over the achievements of women, Ghribi succeeded in redeeming women's status in Tunisia and became a role model for Tunisian women. In only her second Olympic appearance, Ghribi's medal defied the odds as she recovered from a two month long injury just three months before the games. Her silver medal in the 3000m Steeplechase made Ghribi the first female medal holder in Tunisian history.
Despite her achievements, Ghribi received some criticism on Facebook for her Olympic outfit. "We dont need medals brought by some naked, shameless woman," wrote one person. He also called to take away her citizenship. Although the authenticity of the original post could not independently be verified by Tunisia Live, it quickly became viral as it was shared hundreds of times by supporters of the athlete.
"I thought that the Tunisian flag would fly in the world in the name of Habiba Ghribi, not in the name of my sport's suit or what I wore," responded Ghribi to the Tunisian TV show Labess.
In response to this controversy, Badi jokingly called for those who criticized Ghribi's clothes to face her in a race if they think they could do better. Some supportive commentators said that Ghribi did for her country what the Constituent Assembly (CA) members have been unable to do — raise the Tunisian flag in pride around the world.
Ghribi's success at the Olympics means that the athlete has become a role model for Tunisian women: one who is strong, confident, successful and unwilling to be intimidated by her critics and those who doubt her. For her supporters, Ghribi's achievement is a confidence-booster for women as they seek to challenge social and political stereotypes.
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