Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, born on May 7, 1976, in Sparta, Greece, is a distinguished medical doctor and politician currently serving as the Minister of State for Development, Francophonie, and International Partnerships in the French government. A dual citizen of France and Greece, she has made significant contributions to women’s health and international development, leveraging her medical background to advocate for policy changes that enhance the rights and health of women and girls.

Early Life and Education

Raised in a military family in Sparta, Zacharopoulou pursued her medical studies at Sapienza University in Rome, where she specialized in gynecology. She earned a PhD focusing on endometriosis, a disease that would later become a central issue in her advocacy work. In 2007, she moved to France and began her medical career at the Bégin Military Hospital in Saint-Mandé, near Paris, where she honed her skills as a gynecological surgeon.

Advocacy for Women’s Health

Zacharopoulou’s passion for women’s health led her to co-found the “Info-Endométriose” association in 2015 alongside French actress Julie Gayet. This non-profit organization aims to raise awareness about endometriosis, a condition often overlooked in medical discourse. In 2016, she initiated France’s first national awareness campaign on the disease, targeting both the medical community and the general public.

Her advocacy extended into her political career, where she championed the sexual and reproductive rights of women, fought against gender-based violence, and worked on policies to ensure women have control over their own bodies.

Political Career

Zacharopoulou was elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) in 2019, representing La République En Marche! (LREM). During her tenure from 2019 to 2022, she served as Vice-Chair of the Committee on Development and played a pivotal role in shaping the EU-Africa partnership strategy. She actively consulted with African nations to forge a robust, inclusive partnership between Europe and Africa, especially in the context of sustainable development.

Her commitment to health equity became particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. Zacharopoulou returned to practice medicine part-time to support frontline efforts and was later elected Co-Chair of the COVAX Facility Shareholders Council, where she advocated for equitable vaccine distribution in low-income countries.

Ministerial Role

In May 2022, Zacharopoulou was appointed Minister of State for Development, Francophonie, and International Partnerships. In this role, she continues to promote France’s international development agenda, focusing on education, health, and sustainable development, particularly in Africa.

Under her leadership, France has pledged significant funding to initiatives like Education Cannot Wait, underscoring her belief that education is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for transformative change, especially in crisis situations.

Recognition and Honors

In recognition of her contributions to health and politics, Zacharopoulou was appointed Chevalier in the National Order of Merit in 2017. Her commitment to gender equality and international cooperation has established her as a leading voice in European politics.

Conclusion

Chrysoula Zacharopoulou’s journey from a medical doctor to a prominent political figure exemplifies her dedication to improving the lives of women and children globally. With her background in medicine and her political acumen, she continues to advocate for policies that reflect the values of equity, health, and sustainable development, positioning France as a leader in international partnerships.