Oct 14, 20243 min read

Africa Matters Spotlight: Dorra Bouguella

Africa Matters Spotlights features Dorra Bouguella, a champion of climate action and committed participant of the 2024 Her Environment, Her Future program (HEHF). Based in Tunisia, Dorra is driven by her commitment to address the pressing issue of water scarcity in her community. She combines knowledge sharing with youth empowerment to advocate for youth involvement in decision making processes. Through her endeavors, Dorra is creating positive change on a grassroots level.

Read her inspirational story below!

What is your story? What defines you?

If you were to strip me of my name, nationality, occupation, and the labels society has placed on me, what remains is a deep sense of duty. My parents instilled in me a strong sense of empathy, teaching me that privilege is not earned, and because I have these privileges, I feel a responsibility to give back. Over time, I chose to express this through climate action, as I believe we were entrusted with the Earth to preserve, not to over consume for our comfort. At my core, I am driven by this duty and my love for nature, always seeking ways to ignite my potential to give back to my community and country.

What is a pressing issue/challenge happening in your community right now that you are advocating for and that readers should be paying attention to?

A pressing issue in Africa is the growing water scarcity, despite the continent holding nearly 9% of global freshwater resources. Africa is the second-driest continent, with two-thirds of its land classified as arid or semi-arid. The distribution of water resources is highly unequal, with 54% of the supply concentrated in just six countries, leaving 27 nations facing severe water poverty with only 7% of the supply [1]. This scarcity not only threatens environmental sustainability but also fuels social tensions and potential conflicts. As competition for water intensifies, trust and collaboration in water management become essential. Advocating for equitable water distribution and sustainable management is critical to addressing both the environmental and social impacts of this crisis. Readers should pay attention to how this issue can influence them, local frontline communities and broader regional stability and the urgent need for cooperative solutions.

How does (or will) your work help resolve this pressing issue/challenge affecting your community?

Through my convenings and my work in innovation and sustainability, I aim to address Tunisia's water scarcity by first informing and educating local communities about the severity of the issue. Despite the worsening crisis, daily water consumption habits in Tunisia remain largely unchanged. To me it is essential for young people to have a say in the different stages of decision-making on policies, from design to implementation and evaluation. Today our generation is facing challenges we did not create but are expected to solve. Yet, too often, we are excluded from decision-making processes, leading to a sense of isolation and disillusionment. By advocating for youth involvement in water management strategies, I seek to ensure that their voices are heard and that they contribute to shaping sustainable solutions for Tunisia's water crisis.

What are some key takeaways from Her Environment Her Future that have reshaped the way you will execute your work for your community?

I’ve gathered many impactful insights from the Her Environment, Her Future training, but one key message has reshaped my perspective. As someone action-driven and eager for results, I shared concerns about advocating for policy reform amidst political instability. Someone said, “It is possible to shift our unconscious and destructive social and economic paradigms.” This reignited my hope and urgency to push for change, knowing it will come, sooner or later. I also gained valuable technical knowledge, particularly the importance of understanding local communities’ concerns and building human-centered connections. Advocacy for climate justice is, at its core, about human rights, and ensuring empathy is central to this work moving forward.

What are you most looking forward to in the next couple of months in Her Environment Her Future?

I’m most looking forward to deepening my knowledge through the curated content of Her Environment Her Future, connecting further with fellow activists, and seeing where this journey takes me in the coming months. I signed up with the intention of committing myself to more impactful action for my community, and that’s exactly what I’ve begun doing. I’m excited to continue this work, build on what I’ve learned, and see the growth and progress both personally and within my advocacy efforts.