Southern Tunisia is predominantly a male-dominated society where women are expected to devote themselves to the household and family. These gender inequalities often restrict the ambitions of women to start and run a business. However, there are a growing number of women entrepreneurs, like Mbarka Jellouli, who are challenging these stereotypes.
Mbarka Jellouli’s first challenge was to get started. After raising 6 children and without a degree, Mbarka never thought she would become an entrepreneur. Yet, in 2021, the 46 year-old launched a business specialized in date processing and derivatives in Kebili.
Born and raised in Kebili, Mbarka was immersed in date farming since her early childhood. As a child, she was already helping her family with the date harvest.
“I am a daughter of farmer; my family has always worked in the cultivation of date palms in Kebili. I learned everything about this field when I was a child. And I have a deep respect for the natural resources that we have in this arid region of the country.”
After more than 20 years caring for her family, Mbarka started her entrepreneurial journey by training in the techniques of adding value and producing date derivatives. Through the support of the Joud Nefzaoua association, she strengthened her technical skills and ensured the start of her activities amid the Covid-19 pandemic by obtaining bank financing and premises for the installation of her unit.
“Even if most date processing companies work industrially, I chose to start my business on a small scale. Without machines, I carry out the entire production chain manually. It’s certainly hard work, but it doesn’t scare me. For me, it is essential to preserve this traditional craft.”
The artisanal techniques Mbarka uses are very time- and work-intensive, but surrounded by a team of 4 employees and seasonal workers, she always strives to meet her orders on time.
“Our production capacity always depends on orders. Depending on this, I can recruit up to 10 part-time or seasonal jobs.”
Mabarka’s particularity lies not only in her life path or her production methods, but also in the product she markets. The “Kenkechi” variety of dates from the Tozeur region is much less well known than the “Deglet Nour“. However, Kenkechi are known to have significant benefits, perfectly suited to the transformation of dates into derivatives such as jams, syrups, sugar…
“We don’t talk enough about the different varieties of dates. “Laahlig”, for example, is a variety grown in Tozeur, very sweet and much tastier than the “Nour”. But many people don’t know how to use it. The same goes for the “Kenkechi” variety. I use it a lot to make date sugar and syrup.”
In 2021, she joined the USAID-funded Mashrou3i, implemented by UNIDO, an entrepreneurial training and support project in Tunisia. Through Mashrou3i, she learnt the basics of marketing and how to promote her products to target new customers. The project also enabled her to have all her products tested by the inspection office VERITAS, the first step towards organic certification.
“Originally, I started from nothing. I did everything by myself. So, when I had the support not only of my family, but also of Mashrou3i and the Joud Nefzaoua association, it was very important for me. Thanks to this support I was able to launch my business and become the entrepreneur of today and the leader of tomorrow.”
A role model for many women in her region, Mbarka says it’s all about the people around us and the support we receive. Women in southern Tunisia, particularly in rural areas, face major challenges in their microcosm to emancipate themselves. Resilience and the ability to seek support when needed, is essential to fight against inequalities and work towards access to employment for women.
“Through my business I have found my self-worth and my self-confidence.”