Najat Vallaud-Belkacem became the first woman to serve as Minister of National Education, Higher Education and Research in France, holding the post from 2014 to 2017. Her trajectory through the French government included various ministerial roles, where she implemented reforms concerning gender equality, anti-sexism education, and significant adjustments to national legislative policies regarding social issues and public conduct.
Early Life and Education
Born on 4 October 1977 in Bni Chiker, Morocco, she spent her early childhood in the Rif region before moving to France in 1982 to join her father, a construction worker. She grew up in Abbeville and later in Amiens, acquiring French citizenship at age 18. She pursued higher education at the University of Picardie Jules Verne and graduated from Sciences Po in 2002.
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She joined the Socialist Party in 2002 and began her political career in Lyon, working with mayor Gérard Collomb starting in 2003. Elected to the Regional Council of Rhone-Alpes in 2004, she later served as a municipal councillor of Lyon from 2008 to 2013 and a member of the general council for the Rhône department from 2008 to 2014. Nationally, she served as a spokesperson for Ségolène Royal’s presidential campaigns and for François Hollande during the 2012 election.
Ministerial Tenure and Legislative Action
Appointed government spokesperson in 2012, she also served as Minister of Women's Rights. In this capacity, she introduced anti-sexism courses for cabinet members and facilitated the revocation of an 18th-century bylaw that technically restricted women from wearing trousers in Paris. Later, as Minister of National Education, she remained a permanent fixture in Hollande’s cabinets until 2017, when she chose to exit active politics.
Professional Life Outside Politics
Following her government service, she transitioned to the private sector and non-profit leadership. In 2018, she became CEO of the Global Affairs division at Ipsos. By 2020, she joined the One Campaign as director for France and accepted an affiliated professorship at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Morocco. She also serves as president of France terre d’asile as of 2022.
Fast facts
- Born: 4 October 1977, Bni Chiker, Morocco
- Citizenship: France and Morocco
- Education: Sciences Po, University of Picardie Jules Verne
- Key Role: Minister of National Education, Higher Education and Research (2014-2017)
- Awards: Young Leader of the French American Foundation (2006)
- Award: Knight of the National Order of Merit (2022)
- Languages: French, Arabic, Tarifit
Questions readers ask
What was her role in the government of François Hollande?
She served as government spokesperson, Minister of Women's Rights, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, and Minister of National Education, Higher Education and Research.
Did she hold local office before her ministerial appointments?
Yes, she served as a municipal councillor of Lyon (2008-2013) and a member of the general council for the Rhône department (2008-2014).
