AMIRA GHIED

Amira is a researcher, policy analyst and community developer. She works on participation as a tool for advocacy, training and social innovation. Amira has developed an interest in science-policy interface as someone passionate about open science, open education, and open data. She is leading the OpenCon in Algeria by organizing the international “OpenCon Algeria 2018 conference “as well as conducting workshops and social platform. Besides university clubs and civil engagements, Amira founded an online platform “Youth for SDGs” with the aim to empower youth and raise awareness on sustainable development goals.

"No Matter Your Religion, Gender, Region Is; Success Is one Step Ahead"

Q: Tell us a few things about your country, and also your life's story!

Algeria is the largest country in Africa with most of its population are youth. Caused by the economic situation of the country and the limited job opportunities, Algerian youth are creating a movement toward small businesses and entrepreneurial.

Privileged by a supportive family, I was able to finish my master's on biomedical instrumentations. As I had a considerable ranking in university, I got a scholarship to study another master's on energy engineering under the Pan African University (PAU). This international experience has given me the chance to develop my leadership skills and follow my passion for change to enter the entrepreneurial life.

Q: What is your view of the Coronavirus crisis and the world as it is today? How do you define the concept of a better world especially given the hard lessons we have taken from this unprecedented crisis?

The outbreak of novel coronavirus has created an unprecedented situation around the world. Being the first outbreak of this nature and scale in our lifetime, this crisis brightens up the important role of the medical centres, laboratories, universities and research institute.

Also, the current struggle of the nations in fighting this virus showed the need to create a world connection between national politic institutes and research institutes for better world crisis management. 

In my opinion, a better word is defined as an equal word for all. This crisis has shown to the world that we are all equal. Religion, race, region, wealth and other distinctions that human made can’t be differentiated by the virus.

Q: What are some of the key challenges in your society currently and how do you think CoVid-19 will affect your country?

Currently and because of quarantine, many people have lost their jobs and live in poverty. Many products run out from the market, prices jumped up. Also, many companies stopped production and released workers.

During this world crisis caused by COVID-19 Algeria is facing many challenges:

• Absence of the Civil society role like universities, research institute, national associations...

• Lack of crisis management notions and coordination between health minister, institutions and civil society.

• Absence of material compensation for people who lost their jobs

• Increase of products' prices in the market

Algerian economic was affected by COVID-19 since the beginning of the crisis as our production is mainly petrol and gas. Securing material compensations and maintain social peace will be the hardest steps for the government.

Q: As a young individual what are a few of the hurdles that you had to overcome up until today?

As a young woman in a conservative society; I had to impose myself, ideas, and believes in a men-dominated environment. Online platforms and international events were a way to express, share and develop my ideas and make my voice heard regardless of my identity and gender.

Q: Why is the role of a mentor important for you?

Having a mentor is important not only because of the knowledge, motivation, advice and skills that can be transferred to me but also because mentoring provides professional socialization and personal support to achieve success.

Q: Do you have a lesson that life has taught you and you would like to share?

Life has taught me that no matter your religion, gender, region is; success is one step ahead. You should just be confident that you are smart enough, capable enough; it is only a question of good planning and hard work to achieve what you desire.

Q: Name a project, a foundation or a person in your country that you think is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives!

Talking about change and improve people life I would think about “The association of intellectual investment and human charity”.

Founded in 2017 by passionate Algerian youth, this association succeeded at organizing more than 40 events in different sectors like education, charity, environment, agriculture. And collaborated with several embassies, the EU delegation in Algeria, the Kaunrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS ) Algerian office, local ministries, and NGO' s. The association has also an associated training centre for agriculture in rural areas. During this CoVid-19 crisis, the association was active and still by raising awareness among people, volunteering work, and providing people in need.

Q: What are some of the challenges that women in your country face and what efforts are made towards gender equality?

Algeria is one of the Muslim countries where a woman is having a considerable amount of rights and respect: work, education, right of decision, law protection… However, the conservative society has been an obstacle for women in leadership positions. Women’s right associations have been doing great work to fight for gender equality and to achieve more protection to women by the Algerian law.

Q: Share with us a phrase, a poem or a story that you love or you find interesting!

“Without she, there is no he“.

Q: Share with us a project that you would like to make happen for your country or a cause that you are passionate about?

Algeria has huge paper waste and still waste management strategies and companies are lacking. My passion for recycle economy and being the national coordinator of the recycle economy network in the MENA region has formed my decision to start a “paper recycling enterprise” in my region. Getting the support of my mentor Mr Abdelli Mohamed, we hope this project will see light soon after the end of this crisis. This project will contribute to the national economy and help as well to achieve a sustainable world for all.