Maha Alzeer (44) fled with her family to the Netherlands in 2015 because of the war in Syria.
“I am university educated and had my own center in Syria for tutoring students. I took advantage of all the opportunities I had as a woman. People sometimes think that Syria is a disadvantaged country, but it is not. Syrian women work, just like Dutch women. I was happy until the war forced us to flee.
It’s weird how a trip like that puts you at zero. Of course we were grateful that the Netherlands welcomed us hospitably seven years ago, but having to start again does something to you. As a refugee you have lost control of your life. Where you will live, whether you ever find a nice job again, whether your children make new friends, you just have to wait and see. Suddenly everything is uncertain. Life in an asylum seekers center was quite depressing, as were the memories of the war in Syria and the grief for my family, who was far away. My strength to want to make something of it has helped me. From the first day in the asylum seekers’ center I did volunteer work. I played with children, tinkered with them, we made music, it was nice to be more than a stranger in an unknown land. When I did volunteer work, I was completely disconnected from it. Moreover, it gave me a nice feeling to help others. So I kept doing that.
Helping hand
What I want to say to all people with a migration background: show yourself! I did that too. Once I had settled in Amstelveen with my husband and children, I wanted to do something with my educational background. Together with Dutch and Syrian friends I founded Start Solutions.
We help newcomers integrate into society with, among other things, language and computer lessons. That is very necessary, because showing yourself is very difficult for some people. Especially for women. They often have large families, but in the Netherlands there is no mother, sister or neighbor who can babysit if they want to do a course. Let alone work. Shame also plays a role. Because they are afraid of making mistakes or not being able to make themselves understood, some do not dare to contact the Dutch. Diplomas obtained in their home country are often worth little here. Since it’s quite difficult to figure out what to do to make them valid here too, these women just sit at home. It is easier for men. They often look for a job and as a result come into contact with Dutch people. I know from experience that integration helps to feel at home. Not everyone can do this on their own, so you need some support. We help with that.
Just like Amalia
It is my wish that every woman is financially independent. My youngest two daughters are still in primary school, but my oldest daughter is studying business administration. She understands my message: also as a woman you can seize your opportunities.
I believe that women are happier when they have the opportunity to learn and work. This affects their family and they make a valuable contribution to society. That’s why I founded the Amalia Academy last year. Currently still in the Amstelveen region, but I hope to expand in other places throughout the Netherlands. With activities such as job application training, courses and coaching, we help women find their way and become more independent. In Arabic, Amalia means ‘greatest hope’. That’s exactly what I give women. Amalia also means ‘strong woman’. Not everyone is born in a palace, but I dream that every woman has the opportunity to be happy and take care of herself.”
mmm: C&A (blazer), jake’s (top), Zara (pair of trousers), Lola Cruz (pumps), H&M (cap) | Hair and makeup: Astrid Timmer | Styling: Gwendolyn Nicole | Decor: Yolenth Hoogendoorn@Celeb Studios | Production: Marije Ribbers