Paper short abstract:

This paper explores gender, violence, and social justice in sub-Saharan migrant women during COVID-19 in Tunisia. Through an intersectional feminist lens, it uncovers nuanced injustices, highlighting persistent colonial influences on contemporary development policies.

Paper long abstract:

This paper presents a critical analysis of the complex interplay between gender, violence, and social justice in the context of sub-Saharan migrant women living in Tunisia during COVID-19. Utilizing an intersectional feminist framework, the study goes beyond traditional narratives of victimization and recognizes the convergence of multiple forms of injustice. Through a qualitative exploration of five case studies, the paper highlights the crucial role of gender inequalities and social injustices in exacerbating the marginalization of this group during the pandemic.

Furthermore, the paper aims to unpack the tensions that arise from the clash between dominant social structures and the cultural nuances of the minority group. The analysis is rooted in intersectionality, revealing the persistence of structures of domination, particularly in colonial settings, and their continued impact on contemporary development policy and practice.

The paper uses a conceptual classification of social justice, considering both commutative or universalist justice and corrective justice. By doing so, it adds nuance to our understanding of the challenges faced by sub-Saharan migrant women and emphasizes the indispensable role of intersectionality as an analytical tool. This inquiry contributes to broader discussions on social justice and highlights the need to address deeply embedded colonial legacies in the formulation and implementation of development policies today.