The Central Bank of Tunisia announced that the new 10 Tunisian dinar note would feature Dr Tewhida Ben Cheikh.
Dr Ben Cheikh was a pioneer in women’s medicine. She is particularly renowned for her work in women’s health and specialization in gynaecology. She became the first muslim woman to become a physician in North Africa in the 20th century after passing the baccalaureate in Tunisia in 1928, and graduate from the faculty of medicine of Paris in 1936. At the age of 54, Dr Ben was the first woman to sit on the National Council of the Order of Physicians of Tunisia.
Dr Cheikh might not be the fist woman to be featured on the country’s bank note – she replaces Queen Elissa, on the 10 dinar note – but she is the first female doctor to appear on a banknote worldwide.
In a statement given by the Director of the Public Treasury of the Central Bank of Tunisia, Abdelaziz bin Said, said that this decision had been made a year ago to dedicate the new 10 dinars to the doctor and to “honour Tunisian women”.
More than anything, this decision screams appreciation to all the doctors, nurses and caregivers for their tireless efforts in these critical times.