The Tunisian Feminist Press: Al-Ilham Magazine as anExample (1955–1956)

Abstract

The origins of the women’s movement in Tunisia can be traced back to the interwar period, marked by the founding of the Union of Muslim Tunisian Women (1936), the publication of the magazine Leïla (1936–1941), and the release of Tahar Haddad’s influential book Our Woman in Sharia and Society (1930), which represented a major milestone in the discourse on women’s status.
A new stage of the movement began in the early 1950s, in connection with the rise of the national liberation movement. The establishment of the Tunisian Girls’ Club (1954), led by female students from Zitouna University, reflected a desire to reconcile traditional religious education with engagement in contemporary societal issues.
In this context, the magazine Al-Ilham (1955–1956) distinguished itself through the participation of young female writers. It was characterized by the boldness and novelty of its themes, which included literature, the arts, and questions related to women’s condition. An analysis of its content reveals that the Zitounian background of its contributors did not prevent them from adopting diverse viewpoints or addressing unconventional subjects within their scholarly environment. Their commitment extended beyond social and cultural matters to encompass national concerns and active involvement in the struggle for independence.