What are the key issues for women in your railway union?
The key issues are basic rights, maternity leave, breastfeeding rights, childcare and discrimination. They also don’t allow women in train driving, security or ticketing. Another issue is sexual harassment, which, in the Arab world, is not easy to talk about. There are also health and safety concerns and restructuring has a major impact on women’s jobs.

Is there anything you would like to say to other delegates at Congress?
The first thing would be that they should support women in the Arab region. We have a list of needs, including more education on the impact of privatisation, on campaigning and on how to deal with violations.

I want to appeal to all women participating in Congress to press their unions to support women and children facing the threat of death in Lebanon, Palestine and Iraq. Women and children are vulnerable in the struggle; we must call for an immediate unconditional ceasefire.

I also have a message for female Arab transport workers: I call on them to stand in solidarity with all women around the world.

What is your union doing to help progress the position of women?
Out of 5300 workers in the railway sector, less than one per cent are women. Some of the men are supporting women’s rights, defending their position and employment conditions and working on areas such as leave and discrimination. One of the main challenges, however, is that they sometimes don’t accept having a woman in trade union leadership. In our union there are two women shop stewards out of all 5300 workers and I am the only woman on the board.

But we are working with other trade unionists to build women’s committees in transport unions across Tunisia.

What has come out of your discussions with other delegates attending the Congress?
I have learnt a lot - most of my experience has been gained at ITF meetings, talking to other delegates. At this Congress I will learn a lot more, as this is the biggest gathering of transport workers.

What would you like to see happen as a result of Congress?
I hope that global workers will unify and that transport workers will work together in the face of globalisation.