Aya Chebbi, a beacon of feminist leadership and youth advocacy, is committed to liberating African women and girls. Emerging as a powerful voice during Tunisia’s 2010-2011 Revolution, she played a pivotal role in toppling a 23-year dictatorship, marking her as a prominent figure in democracy and human rights advocacy. Over the past decade, Aya has transformed youth leadership spaces across Africa, impacting over a million young people through her innovative initiatives and platforms.
As the first-ever African Union Special Envoy on Youth from 2018 to 2021, Aya set the foundation for enhanced youth participation in governance. Her tenure as the youngest diplomat at the African Union Commission’s Chairperson’s Cabinet brought fresh perspectives, driving policies that championed peace, security, and gender equality. Aya’s commitment to fostering intergenerational leadership has redefined youth involvement, particularly through initiatives such as the Youth Silencing the Guns Campaign, the African Union’s largest youth peace platform.
A dedicated feminist, Aya founded Nalafem, one of Africa’s most influential alliances of women politicians and activists, uniting voices for transformative change. She mobilized young women to create the groundbreaking Africa Young Women Manifesto and established the Nala Feminist Collective, bringing together leading African feminists to shape national and global agendas. Through these efforts, she has solidified her role in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Aya’s influence extends beyond activism. She has served on influential bodies like the World Refugee Council, WHO Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, and Oxfam’s commission on sexual misconduct, contributing to critical reports that shaped humanitarian and gender policies globally. Her achievements have earned her accolades such as the Gates Campaign Award and recognition as one of Forbes Africa’s 50 Most Powerful Women. In 2022, she was a finalist in the UN SDG Action Awards for her contributions to gender equality, reduced inequalities, and peacebuilding.
Through her various platforms, including the Afrika Youth Movement and the Afresist think tank, Aya continues to mentor the next generation of Pan-African leaders. Her work has not only changed the narrative about Africa but also fostered a new era of intergenerational co-leadership, particularly during critical periods like the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, her impact was further recognized with her appointment as a UN Global Champion and the Global Leadership Award by Vital Voices.
