They are neither desperate nor are they victims. Quite the contrary, I've witnessed during my travels around the countryside that they are completely conscious of their circumstances and have developed methods and mechanisms of empowerment. I am humbled in their presence because their experience is so much richer than mine. Their problems have less to do with rights than with access to such things as potable water, firewood, adequate housing, and modern farming methods. Their contributions to society are not to be overlooked, and they have also been vocal about asserting their rights.
Rural women know the terrain and know how to formulate their demands in an effective manner.
This is why it is worth investing in them. Its is up to us now to implement strategies that take into consideration their needs and their contributions. Otherwise, we risk neglecting up to a third of the female work force in Tunisia.