SOYMAYA BOUCHAHOUA

Soumaya is currently enrolled in an MA program in African Studies at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of Sousse. She is in her second year and looking forward to her dissertation and establishing a foothold in her field of interest. Her ambition is to excel in both academic and vocational career for the sake of herself and therefore her community. Why her community? Because she believes that a community or a country prospers only with the potential and ambition of its citizens especially youth forces.

“Every tear, crisis, failure and sweat will definitely pay off one day”

Q: TELL US A FEW THINGS ABOUT YOUR COUNTRY, AND ALSO YOUR LIFE'S STORY!

I am currently pursuing my MA in African studies and looking forward to finishing my MA dissertation. I am a twenty five years old young lady from Tunisia who is trying to establish a foothold in both my academic and vocational career.

Back in 2016, I graduated with honours from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of Sousse in English Applied to Trade, Business and Communications. With the democratic transition, many non-profit organizations and international and regional foundations emerged to the surface. I engaged and volunteered with several of them in projects, trainings, workshops and academies. I even occupied several part-time and non-paid positions in organizations in Tunisia.

From the political sphere, Tunisia is best known for the revolution that was erupted back in 2011. For the first time after the independence, Tunisia is now witnessing a democratic transition with its pros and cons. It should be mentioned that Tunisia is also famous for being the first spark of the Arab spring. Socially and culturally speaking, Tunisia is a country with over three thousand years of civilizations that marked its history.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR VIEW OF THE WORLD AS IT IS TODAY? AND HOW DO YOU DEFINE THE CONCEPT OF A BETTER WORLD?

The world is a bulk of multi-diverse communities and societies. This latter, have their distinct differences that make every community, ethnicity and religious groups stand solo. Every unknown aspect of a community bearing in mind its religion, ideology and culture, is considered as a constant threat by other communities. The human brain seeks to be repulsive to everything that cannot fully grasp. It is the case with the differences that cultures and communities acquire since the human race ruled the earth. Since the start of time, the human race has been witnessing wars, and crises whether locally, nationally and even internationally leaving the world in a chaotic status.

In order to maintain a better world, many strategies such as peacebuilding, sustainable development and advocacy emerged as eminent agendas to balance the well-being of the world. It is fair to say that world order is hindering these agendas to be fully adopted since they do not go along with the interest of others.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY CHALLENGES IN YOUR SOCIETY?

Since the revolution took place, economy has been in a stagnating situation due to the collapsing value of the Tunisian currency. The latter has affected the market significantly. Unemployment has skyrocketed. However, the number of graduates is higher than ever. The aforementioned saturated the labour market leaving thousands of young forces without income. Another matter that should be added as a challenge is Politics. Tunisians are finding themselves in a vicious circle and ongoing dilemma torn apart between political parties and governmental officials. In additions, inflation is touching every aspect of our daily life.

Q: AS A YOUNG INDIVIDUAL WHAT ARE A FEW OF THE HURDLES THAT YOU HAD TO OVERCOME UP UNTIL TODAY?

As a young individual, there are several challenges that I can proudly say I effectively overcame them. Self-doubt was my ultimate obstacle. Not believing that I am capable of achieving a goal or commit in a cause were my worst values. It was very challenging to overcome them. I came to know that self-doubt was doing no good for me. It is not helping my inner self to discover and unleash my full potential. Not only self-doubt but also the entourage was an uphill journey to overcome. Being surrounded by people who don’t seem to support and push your dreams further, is very hindering. Trust me, it holds your progress back and throws you in that toxic bubble of being unproductive.

Q: WHY IS THE ROLE OF A MENTOR IMPORTANT FOR YOU?

As a young person, it is essential for me to have a mentor that I look up in my field of interest. Currently, we are living in a world that multidisciplinary rules the market place. Mentors are very crucial at this age. Consultation sessions are part and parcel of futuristic professional endeavours. The duration of the program is perfect for someone like me to have the full advantage and the added value from my mentor. Being mentored throughout a year for sure will be making a huge difference vocationally and academically. Mentors are very experienced individuals. They are excelling in their fields. That is the reason why their advice and recommendations are better to be taking into account for someone who just started her career like me.

Q: DO YOU HAVE A LESSON THAT LIFE HAS TAUGHT YOU AND YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

If you don’t uplift yourself physically and mentally, no one will. Nothing comes easy in this life. Life has taught me this the hardest way. I was not granted things on a silver plate. Instead, I put my heart and soul into my education. I empowered my skills and learnt others to become the person I am now. Many people only see the tip of the iceberg that is filled with success, achievement and milestones. Believe me when I say this: Every tear, crisis, failure and sweat will definitely pay off one day.

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!

Among projects that I came across in my decent career is The Academy: Towards Civic and Political Engagement. It has impacted many people in my community. The aforementioned project was founded by Miss Asma Ben Aicha. She was a professional fellow program participant and a Legacy fellow. She initiated the Academy project as part of her fellowship program. The latter initiative was created with an ultimate goal to provide the opportunity to young forces to be active in society through becoming effective decision-makers. The academy offered intensive trainings and workshops to its participants in many fields conducted by the best in several fields. The academy has and still impacting a lot of people until this moment. All the project graduates are now actively involved in civil society and in Politics. To add I was involved in this project as part of the organization committee. Being part of an initiative that empowers youth potential, was the most eminent experience I have ever had in my career.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THAT WOMEN IN YOUR COUNTRY FACE AND WHAT EFFORTS ARE MADE TOWARDS GENDER EQUALITY?

Comparing to other countries in the Middle East and North Africa region, Tunisia is far more progressed when it comes to women rights and gender equality. The recently adopted constitution is a concrete reflection of this milestone. In the constitution, especially article number 46, obliges the government to support women rights and enforce gender parity in society. However, the implementation of the law is not efficient. There are several contributing factors that hinder this progress. Society has accumulated a thriving masculine culture. In many regions in Tunisia, the idea of gender equality and equity are not accepted at all due to religious and ideological backgrounds.

A very decent number of women themselves are accepting and defending a non-equal agenda. In a nutshell, gender equality is finding a firm path in Tunisia through active amendments of laws and legislations.

Q: SHARE WITH US A PHRASE, A POEM OR A STORY THAT YOU LOVE OR YOU FIND INTERESTING!

A moment of pain is worth a lifetime glory. –"Unbroken".

It is a quote from a movie under name unbroken that illustrated a true store of resilience. Life has its pitfalls along with dark moments. Resilience is what keeps a person going.