2020
Yasmina Benslimane
- Age: 30
- | She/her/hers
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Women tend to be silent because they are scared to break the status quo or traditions. There is still a long path to gender equality. My ultimate goal in life is to empower women by making them believe in themselves so that they can reach their full potential and get into more leadership positions. Our participation in social, political, and economic decision-making is a must to acquire development. Everyone is part of the solution to achieve it, especially the youth. Together, we can brave all the challenges. We can all make a difference.
- Yasmina Benslimane
Bio
Yasmina Benslimane is a feminist human rights defender with a multicultural background. She has accumulated over 7 years of professional experience with human rights institutions, NGOs, and United Nations agencies in several countries. She holds a BA in Political Science and Communications from Saint Louis University – Madrid Campus and a MA in International Law and the Settlement of Disputes from the United Nations Mandated University for Peace. She is currently pursuing a MA in Forced Migration and Refugee Protection Studies with the School of Advanced Study, University of London.
Highly skilled in advocacy, communications and media, human rights, policy analysis, research and writing, and public speaking, Yasmina speaks on social and global issues, particularly on topics related to gender equality, political participation, youth & women empowerment, forced migration, and peace-building. She is often invited by universities, TV and radio stations, NGOs, UN Agencies, and youth-led initiatives as a speaker and a moderator to discuss a wide range of topics on webinars and international conferences including Sciences Po Paris, UNDP, UNITAR, UNODC, the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP), Girl Up and the African Union to name a few. She has previously advised UNDP and UN Women regional offices in the Arab States and is currently serving as a board member of the Pan-African Institute of Municipal Development.
Ms Benslimane is a trained UN Women peace-builder and a certified women empowerment coach, helping young women to develop their skills for leadership. She is also the founder of Politics4Her, a feminist youth-led blog and movement encouraging the inclusive participation of young women and girls in politics.
What ignited your pursuit for gender equality?
After living in seven countries, and completing both my undergraduate and graduate studies in extremely diverse environments, I have come to a conclusion: gender inequality is universal. Of course, in some places more than others. I believe that growing up with a single mother made me the person that I am today. As a matter of fact, seeing how difficult it can be in my country as laws are sexist and oppressive towards women, made me want to make a difference. I will forever raise my voice for all women going through this oppression in our country and region. Women tend to be silent because they are scared to break the status quo or traditions.
Please share your biggest wins as an advocate for gender equality.
After launching Politics4Her, I have received a tremendous amount of messages filled with love and encouragement. Many young women loved the concept. They are aspiring as well for a more equal world. I realized then that I was not alone, as we built a real community where we exchange ideas and encourage one another on a daily basis. We have grown to a community of 70+ volunteers from every corner of the globe. We have regional hubs and create online content in several languages.
Outside of your gender equality advocacy work, what do you enjoy doing?
I love going on adventures and traveling to learn from others. I also practice yoga and meditation to keep balanced. Things that bring me joy: skateboarding/surfing as well as music, I sing and play the ukulele. For over 5 years I have been vegan so I enjoy cooking nutritious recipes.
Languages Spoken:
- Arabic (Advanced/Native)
- English (Advanced/Native)
- French (Advanced/Native)
- Spanish (Advanced/Native)
- Chinese (Elementary)
- Portuguese (Elementary)
- English (Advanced/Native)
Publications:
Speaks On:
- Gender Based Violence
- Forced Migration and Refugee Protection
- Women's Political and Leadership Participation
Past Awards, Certifications, or Fellowships:
- Emerging Leader Award - Saint Louis University (2022)
- Young Scholar in Communications - Migration Policy Institute (2022)
- Scholar in Peace and Security - OSCE-UNODA (2022)
- Young Woman Peace-builder in Arab States - UN Women (2021)
- Emerging Leaders Fellowship - United Nations Association of the United States of America (2021)
- Operationalizing the Right to Development in Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals Certificate - OHCHR, UPEACE, UNU-IIGH (2020)
- International Humanitarian Law Certificate – ICRC (2018)
- International Refugee Law – UNHCR (2018)
