Gabès Pollution Crisis: Women Lead Fight for Health & Environmental Justice – 2025
- The city of Gabès, Tunisia, is facing a deepening public health crisis stemming from long-term pollution caused by the Tunisian Chemical Group (GCT), a state-owned chemical plant producing...
- Residents of Gabès have reported a surge in health problems, including respiratory illnesses, bone diseases, and cancer.
- Residents express fears about the long-term effects of pollution on their reproductive health, with reports of fetal malformations and complications during pregnancy.
The city of Gabès, Tunisia, is facing a deepening public health crisis stemming from long-term pollution caused by the Tunisian Chemical Group (GCT), a state-owned chemical plant producing phosphate-based fertilizers. Protests, including a general strike on , have escalated as residents demand the plant’s closure, citing widespread illness and environmental damage. The situation highlights the complex interplay between industrial activity, public health, and environmental justice in the region.
Escalating Health Concerns
Residents of Gabès have reported a surge in health problems, including respiratory illnesses, bone diseases, and cancer. Recent weeks have seen numerous cases of intoxication, with dozens of people, including schoolchildren, experiencing fainting fits attributed to emissions from the GCT plant. On , 50 people were hospitalized, following similar incidents on , and . A local official reported that 122 people were treated or hospitalized between these dates, experiencing symptoms such as suffocation, leg pain, and numbness.
The concerns extend beyond immediate symptoms. Residents express fears about the long-term effects of pollution on their reproductive health, with reports of fetal malformations and complications during pregnancy. One resident, Radhia, shared her experience of losing a baby girl at eight months gestation due to congenital complications, a loss her doctor attributed to chronic exposure to pollutants. Scientific research indicates that exposure to industrial air pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and sulfur dioxide, can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including low birth weight, premature birth, and fetal developmental abnormalities.
Another resident, Jamila, described living with chronic asthma exacerbated by the plant’s emissions, finding even basic activities like climbing stairs increasingly difficult. These personal accounts underscore the daily burden of pollution on the community.
Environmental Degradation and its Impact
The pollution extends beyond air quality. Residents report beaches strewn with waste, a collapsed fishing industry, and contaminated groundwater. The GCT plant releases phosphogypsum, an industrial waste product containing chemical residues and toxic metals, into the sea, further exacerbating environmental damage. This contamination impacts both the marine ecosystem and the surrounding land and water sources.
The situation has sparked widespread protests, with over 130,000 citizens participating in the general strike on . Protesters chanted slogans demanding the dismantling of polluting plants and the right to a clean city, with the hashtag “We are all Gabes” gaining traction online as a show of solidarity.
Women at the Forefront of the Protest
Women are playing a prominent role in the protests, actively participating in marches, sit-ins, and awareness campaigns. Their involvement is driven by the disproportionate impact of pollution on their health and the health of their families. Many women are experiencing chronic illnesses, including thyroid diseases, respiratory problems, and cancer, and are deeply concerned about the risks to their reproductive health.
Fatma, a resident of Chott Essalem, recounted her own diagnosis of cancer in 2010 and her family’s history of illness, emphasizing the urgent need for change. Sociologist Fathia Saidi noted that women’s strong emotional connection to the health of their loved ones, combined with their organizational skills and resilience, are key factors driving their leadership in the movement.
Limited Government Response and Ongoing Concerns
While President Saied acknowledged the environmental crisis in Gabès and blamed old policies, the government’s response has been criticized as inadequate. Despite repeated promises, residents report a lack of concrete action to address the pollution. The authorities have been accused of prioritizing production over public health and responding to protests with repression rather than meaningful solutions.
Dr. Ouarda Mahdhaoui highlighted the lack of comprehensive data on the health impacts of pollution in Gabès, making it difficult to fully assess the extent of the problem. She emphasized the need for further research to understand the link between pollution and specific health conditions, particularly among women. Studies have shown a correlation between exposure to air pollutants and increased rates of miscarriage, premature birth, and fetal growth retardation.
The situation in Gabès underscores the urgent need for environmental justice and a commitment to protecting public health. The ongoing protests and the growing awareness of the health risks associated with pollution demonstrate the community’s determination to demand change and secure a sustainable future.