Hella
Ben Youssef

Hella Ben Youssef is a Tunisian politician and activist known for her commitment to women’s rights, gender equality, and social justice. She has also focused her political engagement on the issue of the diaspora, which represents an economic and socio-cultural potential for the country.

Originally from Tunisia, she enriched her academic journey at the University of Bordeaux IV in France and the Faculty of Legal, Political, and Social Sciences of Tunis, where she gained expertise in international law and political science, thus laying the foundations for her civic and political commitment. An author and speaker, she has spoken at the United Nations and at Pan-African meetings.

Since 2017, she has been the Vice-President of Ettakatol, a social democratic party in Tunisia 🇹🇳

After a career of more than fifteen years in civil society, diaspora, and migration, Hella Ben Youssef decided, following the Tunisian revolution of 2011, to actively get involved in her country’s political life.

In March 2018, Hella Ben Youssef became the first Tunisian elected as Vice-President of the Socialist International Women, with responsibility for the North/South Mediterranean region. This position illustrates her international influence and her commitment to promoting women’s rights beyond Tunisia’s borders.

Between 2019 and 2021, she held the position of Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Women, Family, Childhood, and Elderly Affairs.

Her fight for the emancipation of women is accompanied by initiatives aimed at strengthening the participation of young people in politics and encouraging diversity in decision-making processes. A regular speaker and author, she often addresses crucial topics such as gender-based violence, education as a tool for equality, and the impact of political reforms on human rights.

Hella Ben Youssef is also involved in international projects focused on cooperation between Southern countries and diasporas, promoting an inclusive vision of global development. Through her many engagements, she tirelessly works for a fairer Tunisia, where the rights of every citizen, man or woman, are fully respected.

A visionary and spokesperson for a generation, Hella Ben Youssef embodies the hope for a Tunisian political future marked by social justice, parity, and international solidarity.

Hella Ben Youssef
Senior Advisor Public Policy, Innovate Local Governance and Gender Equality
Former Advisor to the Minister of Women, Family, and Seniors