TUNIS, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed announced Friday the launch of a program called "Ahmini" (Protect Me) to guarantee social coverage to half a million Tunisian rural women, a government statement said.

The program was launched for the celebration of International Women's Day, it said.

"This program will allow this category of women to benefit from health care and retirement pension," said Chahed, adding that the program will also preserve the dignity of the women workers in the agricultural sector.

Tunisian government has also decided to draft a bill that aims to extend paid maternity leave, the granting of prenatal leave and paternity leave.