Tewhida Belshikh 1909 – 2010

Biography

Tewhida Belshikh was born on January 2, 1909, in Ras Jebel, during a transformative period in Tunisia’s history. She chose a path that was uncommon for women of her era, pursuing a career in medicine at a time when few women had access to such professional opportunities. Her dedication to the medical field reflected both personal ambition and a commitment to serving her community.

Throughout her life, Dr. Belshikh established herself as a respected physician in Tunisia. Her career spanned much of the twentieth century, witnessing and contributing to significant changes in Tunisian society and healthcare. She lived through Tunisia’s independence movement and the early decades of the modern nation-state, remaining active in her profession during these formative years.

Dr. Belshikh passed away peacefully on December 6, 2010, in Tunis at the remarkable age of 101. Her long life and pioneering work in medicine left an enduring mark on her country. As an early female physician in Tunisia, she helped open doors for future generations of women in the medical profession, demonstrating through her example that women could excel in demanding professional careers and contribute meaningfully to society’s health and wellbeing.