Touensa was created in 2011 via a citizen pact created on social media. Its aim was to contribute to building a democratic Tunisia, by creating a strong citizen opposition as part of the establishment of a democratic process following the fall of the Ben Ali regime. Over time, the group has adapted its goal, and today it is organised in the form of a non-partisan organisation with clearly defined objectives.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X868urfUX9A
It works to strengthen the capacity of citizens, developing awareness campaigns for better public governance by improving legal frameworks, access to public information and citizen participation in the decision making process. Informing and training citizens to follow up on and monitor the actions of the Tunisian administration are key to its overall vision of a an active Tunisian citizenry, participating in a democratic environment.
Touensa's key areas of work are in:
- Public governance.
- Government vigilance, including:
- Working on platforms for public access to information.
- As a member of the Joint Commission Ministry of Finance / Civil society, trying to develop greater transparency, improve the budget process and contribute to the development of a citizen budget.
- Contributing to the Tunisia Open Government Partnership.
- Creating a cartoon, Lahlouba, in partnership with 20 civil society organisations.
- The challenges of transition: the temporary organisation of the state, the Electoral Code and elections.
- Drafting the new constitution.
- Popularising concepts of democracy, citizenship, and political life, including through citizen cafes and buses. These are gatherings of civil societies and members of the public, held in a circle in a public space such as a cafe, with a chosen theme discussed. This a key way of ensuring grass roots collaboration and sharing between civil society and the people.
