Who we are?
The Winning Team
We’re a diverse team passionate about human rights, gender equality and social change. Together we’re working to create a positive impact on the lives of people especially women and the most marginalised groups in the MENA region.
Saoussen: Founder
Saoussen Ben Cheikh is a Media, development and Human Rights expert. She has over a decade experience leading complex Human Rights programs in the MENA region in the most challenging contexts of conflict, poverty and repression. Her work has focused on empowering and supporting freedom of expression for the most marginalised groups and regions. She has designed transformative projects to promote inclusion and gender equality. She has launched incubation hubs to help citizen initiatives to start their projects. Lately, she has coached and trained young people in the region in change-making and social entrepreneurship.
She also writes about Human rights issues for Global voices.
Passionate about social change, she has co-founded in Tunisia, Cosmos Media, a media initiative on the environment and sustainable development.
Saoussen was previously a PhD researcher on State and Conflict in the MENA region and holds a Master’s degree in History and International cooperation from the University of Nice (France).
MENA-can is a reflection of my story of over a decade leading Human Rights programs in the region. MENA-can has in fact grown within me and was born from these deep experiences working hands in hand with journalists and activists. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of these remarkable frontliners I’ve encountered during my journey. Despite facing immense challenges, they have persisted in their efforts, striving tirelessly to bring about positive change in their communities. Their unwavering dedication and ability to achieve the seemingly impossible have left an indelible mark on me and illuminated a fundamental truth: when individuals are invested with the right support and guidance, extraordinary things come to light. Witnessing these “miracles” first-hand has instilled within me a deep-rooted belief in the immense potential that lies within every person. It’s this resilience that fuels my optimism and passion that confirmed me the evidence that the people of the MENA region can and gave birth to this MENA-can initiative.
MENA-can is in many ways an act of resistance against the shadows of repression and man-made disasters. It symbolizes a profound love for humanity and their capacity to do good if given the chance. Hope and great ideas are contagious and uplifting in this turbulent time. MENA-can is a call to inspire and empower rooted in the belief that we live in an interconnected society, that we can’t be free if others are chained. It embodies a sense of togetherness and empathy—a recognition that our destinies are intertwined and as such a rallying cry for collective action.
Beyond offering assistance, MENA-can is about bringing to light a spark that leads to transformative change. It’s about enabling individuals to realize their potential and catalyze positive change within their communities.
Join us in this mission. Together, let us stand against repression, nurture hope, and pave the way for a brighter future in our beloved MENA region and beyond.
Naomi: Co-founder
Naomi had a career in media working for the BBC mainly in Documentaries, History, News and Current Affairs. Passionate about empowering her local diverse community, she qualified as a teacher to teach English to refugees looking for a safe haven in the UK. Her students are from all corners of the world, including from war-torn countries and the MENA region.
“I envisioned MENA-can as much more than an organisation. It is a beacon of hope in a region often fragmented by a political divide. Amidst the current global turmoil and uncertainty, MENA-can’s emphasis is on bringing people together and investing in their potential to have a significant positive impact. This fostering of connections and empathy is invaluable, especially in a time fraught with overwhelming challenges and discord. It is a testament to the power of unity, demonstrating that when people work together, remarkable transformations and solutions emerge. In doing so, it paves the way for a brighter, more interconnected future for the entire MENA region and beyond
Mabrouka: Co-founder
Mabrouka Khedir is an accomplished multimedia journalist and correspondent for DW TV, TV5 and other renowned media. Passionate about voicing people stories, she has produced numerous award-winning film-documentaries through her 4K media production company. She is also the founder of “COSMOS Media,” Tunisia’s pioneering digital platform dedicated to the environment and sustainable development.
Her extensive experience and unique insights have positioned her as a notable media development expert and educator. Mabrouka teach journalism skills to students and journalists across Tunisia and the MENA region, and contributed to the establishment numerous international journalism networks.
Her journalistic mission is deeply rooted in her unwavering dedication to upholding Human Rights. “With MENA-can, my goal is to champion our humanist values of peace, human rights, and freedom of expression. I want to amplify the voices of local communities, fostering connections that create a sense of togetherness and creativity. My experience as a journalist and trainer taught me incredible capacity people to do good. With MENA-can, I want to accompany change-makers in their journey to achieve their potential and make a positive impact in their communities.
Reem: The Powerhouse
Reem is a journalist and human rights activist who is deeply passionate about empowering young people, believing in their unique potential as catalysts for positive change. Her journey began by broadcasting radio programs that uplifted and inspired young individuals at Shabab FM in Sanaa.
She has been an active volunteer in numerous peace and developmental initiatives, striving to contribute to a better society for Yemenis. At Search for Common Ground, Reem contributed to peace programs by producing multimedia content that fosters social and health awareness, emphasizing individual positive contributions to their communities.
Reem champions the belief that every individual possesses immense potential to achieve their dreams and become a positive agent of change.
“Young people have so much energy that we can build on to facilitate social good. I aim, with MENA-can, to empower youth and women through collaboration and by providing a network of support.”
Reem holds a Bachelor’s degree in Media from Sana’a University, specializing in Radio and Television. She works closely with youth on media and social entrepreneurship.”
The Tech Team:
Mohamed Amin: Web Developer
Wajdi: Graphist
Wajdi is a seasoned graphic designer adept in video editing, crafting innovative visuals and producing special effects. With a fervent passion for translating ideas into inspiring visuals, he thrives on creatively expressing concepts through design.
“MENA can, as it is name suggests, expresses the immense potential in the region’s talents and the opportunity to drive positive change. I want to use my design skills within MENA-can to visually craft these impactful stories and raise awareness on social issues”.