Dar El Ain: a solidarity initiative supporting women and ecotourism in northern Tunisia
In the heart of Tunisia's Kroumirie region lies Dar El Ain, a pioneering social enterprise blending ecotourism with social empowerment. Founded in 2017, the initiative offers immersive outdoor experiences while driving positive change in local communities. Backed by the JEUN’ESS project—an initiative of the International Labour Organization (ILO)—Dar El Ain is redefining tourism, turning it into a force for good.
4 February 2025
Ecotourism with a Purpose
Jendouba, Tunisia (ILO News) - Dar El Ain promotes sustainable tourism that respects nature and uplifts local traditions. Visitors explore the Kroumirie region’s lush forests, majestic mountains, and pristine coastlines through curated activities like hiking and trekking through oak forests, mountain biking and snorkeling along Tabarka’s bays, cultural workshops led by local artisans specializing in weaving, basketry, essential oils, and beekeeping.
What makes Dar El Ain unique is its commitment to offering authentic experiences that connect tourists with the region’s rich heritage. But beyond adventure, the initiative addresses pressing social challenges.
Empowering Women Through Social and Solidarity Economy
A key pillar of Dar El Ain’s mission is fostering women’s economic empowerment. The project collaborates with local women, helping them run table d’hôtes (traditional dining experiences) and artisanal activities. Thanks to support from the JEUN’ESS project, Dar El Ain has formalized these initiatives, enabling women to manage their businesses independently and gain financial autonomy.
Through JEUN’ESS, we’ve structured these activities so that the women can fully take charge, creating sustainable livelihoods for themselves.
Rania Mechergui
This empowerment model doesn’t just boost household incomes; it strengthens entire communities by encouraging young people to engage in solidarity-based entrepreneurship.
A Model for Social and Economic Development
Dar El Ain’s approach aligns closely with the goals of JEUN’ESS, which seeks to incubate and consolidate projects that benefit Tunisia’s rural areas. By focusing on ecotourism and women’s empowerment, Dar El Ain contributes to:
- Economic resilience in rural communities.
- Preservation of cultural heritage through artisan-led workshops.
- Environmental sustainability by promoting eco-friendly practices.
For Mechergui and her team, social entrepreneurship is not just a business model—it’s a catalyst for regional transformation.
The Road Ahead: Inspiring Change
Dar El Ain’s success highlights the potential of tourism as a tool for social impact. By involving locals in every aspect of its operations, from guiding to catering, the enterprise fosters a sense of ownership and pride. Tourists, in turn, gain meaningful connections and deeper insights into Tunisia’s hidden gems.
As Mechergui notes:
We’re painting our region in a different light, offering new experiences that benefit both visitors and locals.