Tunisians rally for women's rights

Tunisians chant their national anthem as they parade through the capital.

Men march alongside women in protest against what they see as a blow to equality.

The Islamist-led government is under pressure from conservatives to implement Islamic law in the new constitution.

Protesters fear that would put women in second place.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) THURAYA HAJEJ PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION OF POLITICAL CONSCIENCE SAYING:

"We have many new political movements in Tunisia that weren't here before. These movements are threatening women's rights and now we are here to defend them and to show that we'll not lower our guards."

The 6,000 demonstrators are pushing to protect a 1956 law granting women full equality.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) Dr JALEL EZZINE A UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR, SAYING:

"This march as you see with this humongous number of people, be it men or women, here to stress the fact that for the last 50 years Tunisia has really stressed the equality between men and women and today they are afraid that they are maybe slipping backwards."

The Ennahda Movement that came to power after the country's revolution has promised not to impose strict Islamic codes and to respect women's rights.