SALIMA BEN SASSI

Salima is a project coordinator at UNDP Tunisia. She works with youth to empower them to be part of the solution in their communities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. She is also a youth development delegate for the Arab region with the youth leadership programme and Arab Youth Center, collaborating with her counterparts on a MENA regional level to create and develop a network and opportunities between the youth in the region.

“I think the best lesson is that you should always keep learning, keep taking risks and be open to experiences.”

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

Did you hear about the Arab Spring? Or maybe more about the Jasmine Revolution that was triggered ten years ago, led by youth who wanted to live in a democratic system and speak up freely.

Since that time, we have had the freedom to express our opinions without fear. We are very active at a political level and we are still learning how to deal with this 'new' situation. That is Tunisia, my home country, situated in North Africa when you can enjoy the gorgeous Mediterranean beaches and the warm weather.

At that time, I just got my Bachelor degree and started my studies at university. During that time, I started being active in clubs and discovering the world of volunteering. Once I graduated, I started my master studies and my first job simultaneously. I worked as a junior administrative assistant where I learned the fundamentals of the professional path. Over the years, I was multitasking, and experimenting with different areas and domains. Currently I am working within the UNDP as a project coordinator and youth delegate. I also volunteer with a social media club, advocating for digital community innovation.

Q: What was your experience of the global pandemic crisis? Did it change your life and/or your views about the world? If so, how?

We have been living with this global crisis for more than a year. During the first months, I had to accept it as a short-term crisis, so I managed my lifestyle. Unfortunately, the situation is persisting. Moreover, I am working remotely, and that affected my mental health, especially given that I am an extrovert who used to attend and organize events, shows, workshops...

Nowadays, I am trying to make the best of the situation by practicing more sport, taking care of my mental health and managing the impact of social media and fake news. I am managing to organize my time between work and my personal life.

Through the Covid-19 lens, the world has changed. I believe that the world will never be as it was before the pandemic, and we are living a new normal, minimizing human contact and replacing it with online meetings. Professionally, new fields are emerging. Socially, the situation is getting worse, and we have to work together to save it. Two important things we can highlight: a greater awareness of the climate crisis and the power of digitalization.

Q: What are some of the key challenges in your society currently?

On an economic level, there is a lack of opportunity especially for youth and graduated youth. This has caused a high rate of unemployment. Also, as we are still learning to be a democratic nation, we continue to fight for space and visibility, for economic and social justice. Another challenge is the lack of vaccination and the impact of that on society.

Q: Can you share with us some of the hurdles that you have had to overcome in your life so far? How did you handle them? 

During my university studies, I chose a field that would allow me to work in the financial and banking sector. But after I graduated, I was faced with the reality of the job market – saturated, even overloaded. In this case, I didn't give up on my career, but I started to work in areas that I didn’t like. However, I started appreciating each experience and discovering and developing new skills, allowing me to grow up professionally.

Q: If you were to ask one thing from our current leaders, what would it be?

Sharing their experience as a leader, the main struggles they have lived through and the lessons they have learned.

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

A mentor is very important, he gives guidance and I can reach out to him at any time. The advice shared by the mentor gives me a sense of relief, and as it is an international program, it has a global advantage.

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

I think the best lesson is that you should always keep learning, keep taking risks and be open to experiences.

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!

There are several international organisations that are supporting Tunisia during this period. Projects like SDG Camps led by the UNDP, ma3an project led by the USAID especially for youth, OxFam to empower women. Also, we have an active civic society assisting the different public bodies like JCI, the scouts, Youth Club.

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

In Tunisia we have been fighting for women's rights for a long time, but we are still facing challenges. For example, in rural spaces, girls don't have access to school. And even if they do, they are leaving at an early age.

Even though we have a law protecting women against violence, it is not applied 100% and NGOs are working to make safe spaces for women - especially those suffering from conjugal violence. The Centre for Research, Studies, Documentation and Information on Women (CREDIF) is attached to the Women Ministry and working closely to provide studies about gender equality. On the other hand, we are seeing some progress with women occupying high positions in the State, for example, the Minister of Justice.

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

"A fresh start isn't a new place, it's a new mindset"

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

I am passionate about supporting young people and helping them to build their capacity - especially digital tools and gaining soft skills that facilitate their integration into professional society. Furthermore, helping young people to become change-makers and acting positively to achieve the SDGs.