ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF TUNISIAN CITIZENS

Since 2020, Fondation Hirondelle has been implementing the media component of the PACT (Participation Active des Citoyennes et Citoyens Tunisiens) programme, in consortium with the Danish organisation NIRAS. The aim of the project is to expand civic space and encourage dialogue between governments and citizens, particularly the most vulnerable, so that public action can be genuinely co-constructed in the high steppes region (governorates of Gafsa, Kairouan, Kasserine, Kef, Sidi Bouzid and Siliana).

Phase 2 of the project started in May 2023. Fondation Hirondelle is pursuing its commitment by continuing to support local media as players in good governance and sustainable development at local level.

Context

The political transformation that Tunisia has undergone since 2011 continues to present the country with structural difficulties. In response to this crisis, the President of the Republic took drastic measures that have given rise to controversy, including the introduction of a new constitution in 2023. On the economic front, the country’s financial situation has deteriorated sharply. Against this tense backdrop, the number of illegal immigrants seeking to reach Europe has reached record levels, social unrest has grown and human rights abuses have risen sharply.

Opening up public space and encouraging dialogue

Faced with this reality, Fondation Hirondelle has supported the creation of a network of 19 journalists, almost 80% of whom are women, with an average age of between 25 and 35. This network, trained and coached in local governance issues, represents 14 local and regional media. Since 2021, these journalists have produced more than 270 pieces of journalistic content, including 232 video reports. This content has not only covered the issues addressed by the projects supported by the PACT programme, but has also highlighted public policy issues such as the difficulties of accessing local governance structures and the lack of employment opportunities for young people.

The network of journalists and media partners is being expanded, with a target of 20 to 25 new media by the end of 2024, including web radio stations, citizen journalists and bloggers.

The journalistic content was disseminated by the network’s media, on their airwaves and online platforms, as well as on a dedicated Facebook page, which gave them greater visibility.

The PACT program also aims to build the capacities of communities, to improve their ability to communicate on their issues, and of the network’s media, in terms of conducting debates, mobile journalism and investigative journalism.