Aya Chebbi is a trailblazing Tunisian diplomat and pan-African feminist whose work has significantly impacted youth activism and gender equality across Africa. As the first African Union (AU) Special Envoy on Youth, she has tirelessly advocated for young people’s rights and empowerment.
Let’s delve into Aya Chebbi’s remarkable journey, highlighting her early life, career milestones, and numerous accolades for her unwavering commitment to social change.
Early Life and Education
Aya Chebbi was born in Dahmani, Tunisia, in 1988. Her passion for activism and social justice was evident from a young age. She pursued a BA in International Relations from Tunis El Manar University, where she laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in diplomacy and activism.
She furthered her education with a Master’s degree in African Studies from SOAS University of London, graduating with distinction. Her dissertation, “Youth Radicalisation: A Comparative Study of Tunisia and Kenya,” explored the complex relationship between state policies and youth involvement in radical movements.
Career
Rising to Prominence During the Tunisian Revolution
Chebbi gained international attention as a prominent blogger during the 2010 Tunisian Revolution. Her insightful and courageous writings were published on platforms like OpenDemocracy and Al-Jazeera, capturing the world’s attention. Through her blog, she documented the struggles and aspirations of the Tunisian people, becoming a voice for the revolution and a symbol of resistance.
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Founding the Voice of Women Initiative
In 2013, Chebbi co-founded the Voice of Women Initiative (VOW-I) with fellow feminists and bloggers Konda Delphine from Cameroon and Rose Wachuka from Kenya. VOW-I is a feminist collective aimed at empowering women through advocacy and digital storytelling. The initiative has trained correspondents worldwide and published numerous stories highlighting the extraordinary contributions of ordinary women.
African Union Special Envoy on Youth
In November 2018, AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat appointed Chebbi the first African Union Special Envoy on Youth. In this historic role, she advocated for youth empowerment across the continent. Her tenure was marked by the launch of the 2019/2020 Action Plan, which focused on innovation, advocacy, intergenerational dialogue, and policy communication. Her efforts were pivotal in integrating youth perspectives into AU policies and initiatives.
Awards and Recognition
Chebbi has received several notable awards, including the 2019 Gates Foundation Campaigner Award, MIPAD 100 Most Influential People of African Descent, and UNLEASH Young Talent of the Year (2018). She was also listed in Huffington Post’s List of Inspiring Young Women from Around the World (2016). These accolades underscore her impact and the widespread acknowledgment of her efforts to foster positive change.
Publications and Media Contributions
Chebbi is also a prolific writer and commentator. Her articles and opinion pieces have been featured in esteemed publications such as Euronews, Jeune Afrique, and CNBC Africa. She has used these platforms to advocate for gender equality, youth empowerment, and social justice, reaching a global audience and influencing public discourse on these critical issues.
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Aya Chebbi’s journey from a young activist in Tunisia to a globally recognized diplomat and feminist leader is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and visionary leadership. Her work inspires and mobilizes young people across Africa, fostering a new generation of changemakers committed to building a more just and equitable world.
For more information on Aya Chebbi and her initiatives, visit her official website and follow her Aon Twitter.