TUNIS: Thousands of Tunisians have demonstrated in the capital for women's rights in the biggest show of force by the opposition since April as the Islamist-led government faces growing dissent.

Two demonstrations on Monday, one authorised and the other not, were held to support the withdrawal of a planned article in the constitution backed by the Islamists that refers to ''complementarity'' and not equality of the sexes.

Fighting for their rights … Tunisian women march during a protest against a proposed article included in a new draft constitution which they say is an Islamist ploy. Credit:AFP

Thousands assembled opposite the parliament building in Tunis after the breaking of the Ramadan fast, while several hundred defied a ban to gather on the main city centre, Habib Bourguiba Avenue. Another demonstration was attended by about 1000 people in Sfax, 260 kilometres south of the capital.

The gatherings in Tunis were the biggest by the opposition movement since a banned march was violently broken up on Habib Bourguiba Avenue in April.