Faten Abdelkefi's civic engagement is nothing new. It goes back several years, to a time when few dared to speak out, because before becoming a devoted champion of Made in Tunisia, the founder of the Be Tounsi movement was a cyber-activist. That alone speaks to the courage and unconventional path of this woman, passionate about the essence of our Tunisian identity. Our interview…
Madame Faten Abdelkefi, tell us about your journey. What matters most to you right now, or what excites you the most?
Faten Abdelkefi, born on June 6, 1967 in Bizerte. After studying at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of Manouba, at the National Institute for Continuing Education, and working at the Ministry of National Education, I ended my teaching career for family reasons. Married and mother of three, passionate about art, reading, cinema and travel. An active member of civil society, co-founder of several associations, founder and initiator of the Be Tounsi "movement".
Faten Abdelkefi at a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Faten Abdelkefi |
| Born on | June 6, 1967, in Bizerte |
| Education | Faculty of Arts and Humanities of Manouba; National Institute for Continuing Education; Ministry of National Education |
| Personal life | Married, mother of three; passionate about art, reading, cinema and travel |
| Community involvement | Active member of civil society, co-founder of several associations |
| Movement founded | Be Tounsi (formalized as an association in 2019) |
What Would You Like to Do Right Now if You Had Access to More Resources? What Do You Hope to Achieve Within 5 Years?
What matters and concerns me most right now is the future of my country, which has been going through turbulent times. The wave of solidarity among Tunisians following the floods that devastated certain regions of the country was very inspiring to me. I witnessed it during the fundraiser our association organized for families affected in Cap Bon. We ran two convoys. The trust and the wholehearted support of our community members around our action moved us deeply. Tunisians showed once again that they stand together through every hardship. And civil society proved its strength and effectiveness.
Tell Us About the Changes Be Tounsi Has Managed to Bring About Concretely, Beyond the Genuine Enthusiasm for Made in Tunisia?
Be Tounsi is an association founded in 2019. Its resources are still limited. But if we had more means, we would carry out projects close to our hearts, such as training programs for artisans, setting up a Be Tounsi label, and export support. One of our many dreams is to organize an international exhibition in southern Tunisia or the northwest, inviting our best artisans, designers, artists, creators, hoteliers and exporters, with this mega exhibition covered by international media — a sort of international Made in Tunisia festival.
The Be Tounsi "movement" was launched before the association was formally structured in 2019. Yet it managed to establish itself as such in the world of craftsmanship and Made in Tunisia, and in Tunisians' everyday behavior. Wearing a Tunisian touch in everyday outfits has become a must for a large share of Tunisians, women especially. The members of our ever-growing community have embraced this idea and turned it into a matter of identity.
In such a short time, Be Tounsi has also become a genuine launchpad for new talent, artisans, creators and young designers. But the most beautiful part of this adventure is the sense of pride and belonging to a great civilization that we have managed to instill in our members, by celebrating our heritage, by seeking out, every day, the BEAUTIFUL wherever it may be found.
Is There a Person or an Event That Has Influenced You? Tell Us About the Person You Admire Most.
If I had to choose, among the countless journeys of people who have influenced me, I would certainly mention Samia Ben Khalifa. Better known as Fella, the Coco Chanel of Tunisia. Ever since I was little, I admired her heritage-inspired creations, which I was able to see in the small boutique on Place Pasteur, whenever the chance for a visit arose.
Unfortunately, I never had the chance to know her closely. But her international renown, the beauty, refinement and elegance of the dresses and caftans she created, which were worn by celebrities, left me in awe. Fella was a pioneer of what we call reimagined tradition. A true school of thought that went on to inspire our greatest creators. The very first tribute posted on the Be Tounsi group was dedicated to her. And the community's younger members were able to discover her and admire her talent.
What Do You Take Away From Your Journey?
What do I take away from my journey? First, that the greatest initiatives can be born from a very simple idea — provided you put your heart and seriousness into it. That our heritage is unique. It is so rich, so varied that each of us can draw from it according to our tastes, our means and our preferences. That it must be preserved at all costs. That nothing and no one can "erase" our Tunisian identity, and that Be Tounsi has become a way of life.
A Final Word for Our Readers (Perhaps a Piece of Advice?)
A final word? Buy Tunisian!
