“In times of challenges there is also opportunity for change” Yasmine Ouirhrane is an inspiring young woman advocating for Social and Gender justice in Europe. Growing up in Italy and France, she witnessed huge inequality in underprivileged neighborhoods from an early age on. As one of only a handful of working-class children, she felt like a minority while attending the prestigious Sciences Po college in Bordeaux. Always feeling the duty to double her efforts to prove that she can be successful, motivated her to volunteer and participate in international events in the European parliament. “We can’t talk about democracy when not everyone is represented equally.” She is also the co-founder of “We belong”, a platform and podcast amplifying the stories of immigrant daughters, the new daughters of Europe. The aim of the podcast is to provide more diverse role models to young women. Yasmine remembers that when she was growing up, she never saw a person in a powerful position looking like her. “We belong” is an opportunity to shed light on women who break stereotypes and embrace multiple identities, to give young girls new role models to look up to. The podcast is also a chance to change the way migration is narrated and to provide positive stories on immigration. Yasmine’s motivation behind founding “We belong” is based on a personal experience. In 2019, she was awarded “Young European of the Year”, an award that meant much more to her than just personal recognition but a collective recognition for people of color in Europe. Awarding her “Young European of the Year” was heavily criticized by people online and by far-right French politician Marine Le Pen. Yasmine decided to fight back and boldly respond to this hatred – she filed a lawsuit against Le Pen and started “We belong”. “Diversity is not a problem; it is an opportunity!” The motto of the EU is being united in diversity. The current crisis confronts Europe with a crossroads at which it must decide whether to unite or to move further away from each other. Diversity on the other hand is a fact in Europe but also a responsibility towards people from former colonialized countries living in Europe. Out of 705 members of the European parliament there are only 24 people of color and in the history of the European commission there has never been a commissioner of color. These figures show that the EU still has a long way to go to represent all Europeans equally. The media, companies, political parties, and institutions can also make a corresponding contribution to further inclusion. “When entering a room look around you, who is missing? - Often this are women, people of color, young and disabled people? So how do we make sure that these people are also offered equal opportunities?” We must overcome the lack of ambition and legitimacy a lot of young people feel. Through trainings and mentorships like the ones offered by “We belong”, Yasmine wants to build up a next generation of diverse leaders. Building a community and a support system is also enormously crucial to succeed with this undertaking. But the most important thing we learned from our conversation with Yasmine is: “Whatever you want to do, you belong there”!
Written by: Patricia Müller & Marie Rasche
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