Launch of Souk Sidi Chatti Renovation Works in Msaken: A Milestone in the Femmedina Project
As part of the Femmedina project, an initiative led by Cities Alliance (UNOPS) in partnership with the municipality of Msaken, and supported by the Swiss Cooperation in Tunisia and the Canadian Cooperation in Tunisia, the renovation works of Souk Sidi Chatti in Msaken were officially launched on Monday, February 2, 2026. This stage marks the beginning of the concrete transformation of the souk into a secure and well-equipped workspace, respectful of women's dignity. They will be able to exhibit and market their handicraft products in an inclusive, safe, and adapted environment that meets the needs of women and the entire community.
Background on the Femmedina Project
Since its launch in 2023, Femmedina has placed women's expectations at the heart of urban development, promoting their economic and social empowerment while strengthening community cohesion. The participatory approach, through co-creation workshops and citizen meetings in Msaken, has directly inspired the design choices for the renovation of Souk Sidi Chatti.
Transforming Public Spaces and Communities
"In Msaken, our intervention at Souk Sidi Chatti - an iconic market managed by women traders from Cherahil - perfectly illustrates the Femmedina approach: by reorganizing the stalls for better circulation, visibility, and safety, we are transforming this space into a true lever for economic empowerment. Femmedina is not only transforming our public spaces but also our communities into places of shared progress," said Ikbel Dridi, project leader of Femmedina. She added: "Thanks to our participatory workshops, we create spaces where women artisans transform ordinary places into vibrant community hubs, empowering 50 women and 1,500 users, as recently inaugurated in Sousse."
Commitment to Inclusive and Secure Cities
Local, national, and international partners reaffirm today their shared commitment to inclusive, secure, and vibrant cities.
Source: Press Release
