Julia Hendrickson works at the Institute of International Education (IIE) in San Francisco where she directs the Women’s Enterprise for Sustainability (WES) program that supports women’s entrepreneurship in Tunisia.
What’s your connection to Tunisia?
The WES program brought me to Tunisia for the first time in 2012. We gathered for a training of trainers with partners from Gafsa, Zarzis, Tunis, Sfax and Sousse. I love that when I’m in Tunisia, I feel the uniqueness of this wonderful small country with a mix of African, Mediterranean, Arab and French influences.
What has your experience been working with women entrepreneurs?
I’ve been really lucky to experience Tunisia through the strong and amazing women entrepreneurs we support through WES. I’ve learned about Tunisia through their many stories, their struggles and their successes. When I first started going to Tunisia, it was just after the 2011 revolution and I immediately sensed that this was a very special place at the tip of North Africa. I think there is a unique national pride that comes from peacefully overturning a dictator — that pride and hope is palpable in the Tunisian air. Over the past six years that I’ve been involved in WES, Tunisia has experienced significant political and economic transition as the country moved through multiple governments, and established a new constitution. I’m excited to see what is next for Tunisia.
What is the WES program?
WES is a six-year program designed by IIE and funded by the United States Department of State’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI). We have worked closely with a team of wonderful colleagues in Tunis and partner organizations across the country to create centers for women’s business development. Through these centers, WES has provided leadership and business development training and support to over 3,500 women across 10 regions.
What accomplishment at WES has made you feel the most proud?
I’m most proud that we have supported over 600 women to launch or grow businesses, and created over 1,000 jobs across Tunisia. We have raised the profile of women’s entrepreneurship, and supported women to believe in themselves and accomplish things in their businesses that some of them never believed they could.
Where have you traveled in Tunisia?
Kef, Tunis, Kairouan, Sfax, Beja and Bizerte
What is your favorite place in Tunisia?
Several places come to mind. Anywhere by the Mediterranean Sea because it is vast and beautiful. Walking through the old medina in Kairouan. Seeing the blue doors and narrow alleys. Feeling the history. I love the mosaics in the Bardo Museum in Tunis, and the peacefulness of the Mosque Sidi Sahbi in Kairouan. Seeing fields of olive groves along the highway and the rolling green hills on the way to Kef. Visiting the homes and businesses of any of the WES entrepreneurs is a favorite thing to do in Tunisia.
What is one Tunisian treat you crave?
I have a fond memory of being in Kairouan visiting the shop of an entrepreneur who designs and makes pottery. Her mother brought us the most delicious slightly sweetened mint tea with pine nuts, in beautiful gold glasses. I also love Tunisian Harissa, and tuna!
Who is a Tunisian you admire?
I admire the many WES women entrepreneurs that I have met and my wonderful colleagues including Chema Gargouri. They have taught me so much about Tunisia.