Najwa Rahim

Algeri- Between ambition and reality , women’s participation in political life in Algeria continues to advance steadily, though slowly. With local council elections approaching, the discussion resurfaces regarding women’s presence in political

In this context, Maysaa Sarairi, Secretary-General of the Youth of Algeria Foundation, emphasized that Algerian women’s participation in political life is 'continuously improving,' thanks to the policies and measures initiated by the government in recent years.

She cited the appointment of nine women as ministers heading Key government sectors, considering it 'a strong symbolic step that reinforces women’s presence as decision-makers and opens new horizons for other women to hold senior positions in government.

A platform to engage the new generation  

Maysa Sarairi describes her organization as a “national association with a special character”, aiming to enrich the discussion on youth and local development issues through four main axes: youth and national memory, youth and political participation, youth and economic development, and youth and sustainable development.

She explained that the organization achieved remarkable success in the first edition of the “My Vote for My Country” campaign, which aimed to raise youth awareness about the importance of participating in the electoral process by engaging them with concepts of political work, voting, and understanding the nomination process and candidates. The organization is preparing to launch a second edition, focusing on the axis of youth and national culture.

Algerian Women….An Extension of the spirit of  November.

Through her experience as a young woman and civil society activist, Maysa Sarairi believes that women’s presence in the political sphere is fundamentally linked to Algeria’s liberation history. “If we look back at the great liberation revolution, we find that women answered the call alongside men when the nation needed them. Today, they must continue this role in the struggle for building and change,” she says.

She believes that civil society represents “the cornerstone for preparing youth, especially women,” noting that training is essential to strengthening women’s presence in the political arena. She adds, “Confidence, knowledge, and education are the true foundations for women’s development and their ability to raise a responsible and aware generation.”

Sarairi argues that politically empowering women is not an end in itself but a means to achieve qualitative representation based on competence and professionalism. “We do not need numbers alone, but qualified women capable of deeply and responsibly understanding the issues facing women and society,” she emphasizes.

Change Begins with Initiative

Regarding her motivation to engage in voluntary and community work, Maysa Sarairi says that her desire to contribute to societal change toward a promising future was the main driving force, citing a saying that reflects her life philosophy: “Do not ask your country what it has done for you; ask yourself what you have done for your country.”

In conclusion, she stresses that the path toward genuine empowerment of women in political life is still long, “but hope remains as long as there are women who believe in their ability to effect change, and youth who see participation not as a luxury but as a national duty.