It is rare in the Arab world to see women in key political positions. Out of twenty-two countries in MENA, only one has a female prime minister: Tunisia. When geologist Najla Bouden was appointed in September last year Tunisia’s president Kais Saied hailed it as “an honour for Tunisia and a homage to Tunisian women”. Eight of the 24 ministers in her government are women. It came just two months after the president froze parliament, dismissed the prime minister, and announced he would rule by decree. On 7 March, state media showed Tunisia’s leader standing beside members of the newly appointed …