AWAS – Portraits of Afghan Women: Zohra Saidali

Meet Zohra Saidali, a remarkable individual whose journey is an inspiration to us all. As the co-founder of Zebawatan, she has dedicated herself to empowering the Afghan community and making a lasting impact. In this exclusive interview, Zohra shares her experiences, challenges, and the driving force behind her unwavering commitment. Get ready to be inspired by her resilience, determination, and passion for creating positive change.

Maryam: Tell me more about yourself and your journey to Switzerland.

Zohra: I am originally from Afghanistan and have been living in Geneva since 1994. My family and I initially stayed in Pakistan for about a year and a half before directly immigrating to Switzerland. Our journey began when we left Afghanistan during a challenging period, expecting a short absence. However, circumstances led us to stay in Switzerland, where we are now in 2023. While our refugee journey had its difficulties, particularly during our time in Pakistan, we were fortunate to have a pre-approved asylum application and take a direct flight to Geneva, avoiding the hardships faced by many Afghan refugees. Nonetheless, adapting to a new country, culture, and people has been an entirely new experience for me.

Maryam: That’s quite a journey. So, when you first arrived in Switzerland in 1994, what was your initial impression of the country?

Zohra: Well, it might not be directly relevant, but my first impression was that everything seemed very organized and structured. The lack of boundaries between private and public life, especially in terms of intimacy, was quite shocking for me as a kid. I remember seeing a couple on a bus, being so close to each other, and thinking, “Oh my God, we need to hide.” Even in parks, there seemed to be a different kind of openness and interaction among people, particularly young people. It made me feel uncomfortable and out of place. We were in a popular area of Geneva, surrounded by people, and I mistakenly thought that all of Switzerland was like that. So, my initial image of the country wasn’t entirely accurate.

Maryam: It’s interesting to hear your perspective. Cultural differences can be quite surprising and challenging. How would you describe your impression of Switzerland today, after living here since 1994?

Zohra: That’s a tough question. I have mixed feelings about Switzerland now. On one hand, I see it as a highly developed country with abundant opportunities for growth, security, and a strong social system. It’s undeniably beautiful, and I love its natural surroundings. However, despite the privileges I enjoy, I sense a lack of peace of mind, both in myself and the people around me. Switzerland is a peaceful country, but it feels like something is missing—a certain warmth or tranquility. It’s hard to explain. While I didn’t experience war trauma, I still struggle to fully connect with the feeling of complete peace of mind that I had in my home country. It’s a puzzling sentiment.

Maryam:  I can understand how that could be challenging. Living in Switzerland may seem perfect from an outsider’s perspective, but the reality is different. It’s not always easy to find that sense of warmth and belonging. How did you network in Switzerland and what advice would you give, especially to Afghan women, in terms of integration?

Zohra: Integrating in Switzerland wasn’t easy for me initially, as I always felt we would return to Afghanistan soon. I still feel that way, as crazy as it may seem. I definitely missed the country. However, having my family already established here and being close to my uncle, who acted as my guide, played a significant role. He had studied abroad, was open-minded, and helped me find a balance between two worlds. I also had supportive friends, caring teachers, and a neighbor who became like family, guiding me in French, school, and behavior. My parents’ emphasis on education further helped me get involved in society and feel Swiss. My advice to Afghan women and other migrants is to build a network through school, work, or community organizations. Be proactive, take initiative, and interact with people from different backgrounds. Learn the language, familiarize yourself with the local customs, and have an open mind. Integration takes time and effort, but it’s worth it in the end.

“Pursue your dreams relentlessly, believe in the steps you take, and embrace growth. Trust your convictions and find fulfillment in your unique path.”- Zohra Saidali 

Maryam: What did you study and what was the most challenging moment you faced in Switzerland, and how did you overcome it?

Zohra: I studied international relations with the intention of making a difference in Afghanistan, but I ended up working in a bank. I have a master degree equivalent from the Graduate Institute of International Studies and Development in Geneva. The most difficult period in Switzerland had two main challenges. Firstly, when we first arrived, there was a lack of awareness and acceptance of foreigners. The school we attended as refugees rejected us, and both teachers and students treated me poorly. It was a tough experience, but I refused to let it affect me. I stood up against bullying and made it clear that no one could harm me. I was determined to defend myself unlike others around me. Secondly, I faced a cultural clash at a small, conservative school where teachers treated me differently and pressured me to change my perspective. This was not specifically directed at my country or religion. It was hurtful, but I overcame it by not accepting their biases and standing up for myself.

The Story of Zebawatan: A Journey of Unity, Transparency, and Selfless Service

Founded in 2008 by Adeba, Ferough, and Zohra, Zebawatan began as a response to concerns surrounding transparency and accountability within existing charitable initiatives. Zohra and her sister embarked on this mission, aiming to bridge the generational gap and provide support to the younger Afghan community.

With unwavering determination, Zohra, her sister, and three close friends established their own association, inspired by the beauty of Afghanistan and a beloved song. They named it Zeba and started with a small group of five members, gradually attracting individuals from diverse backgrounds and languages who shared their vision.

Despite their lack of experience in running an association, Zohra and her companions tirelessly worked to build Zebawatan. They held numerous meetings at universities, created articles, formed committees, and tackled organizational challenges. They nurtured an inclusive culture that encouraged collaboration among members, fostering a sense of respect and unity among individuals of various ethnicities and academic disciplines.

Initially, Zohra and her sister kept their involvement discreet due to societal pressures and concerns about their reputation. However, as Zebawatan gained recognition, they actively engaged with institutions and the wider Swiss population, facilitating cultural exchanges and promoting an authentic image of Afghanistan.

Over time, life led members in different directions, leading to a temporary decline in the association’s activities. Zohra herself took a break from her involvement when she moved to Dubai for a promotion. However, the resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan became a pivotal moment that reignited Zohra’s determination to make a difference.

Together again, the founding members organized protests, marches, and published articles to raise awareness about the situation in Afghanistan. Their focus shifted towards providing direct aid on the ground. A new committee was elected, and Zohra gracefully stepped down from her role as president, finding fulfillment as an active member.

The achievements of Zebawatan were remarkable. Strong bonds were forged among members, creating a sense of solidarity and authenticity. Despite facing challenges related to regulations and banking, the association successfully fundraised and provided sustenance for 1,000 people in Afghanistan for at least three months. Throughout their journey, they remained committed to transparency, staying true to the principles that guided them from the beginning.

Reflecting on their accomplishments, Zohra expressed immense pride in the unity they had cultivated and the impact they had made. Zebawatan’s story serves as an inspiration, highlighting the importance of genuine connections, shared values, and selfless service. Through their unwavering efforts, they created a meaningful space where the Afghan identity thrived, bringing about positive change both within the community and in Afghanistan.

Maryam: How have Afghan women in Switzerland, including you and your team, been impacted by recent events in Afghanistan? What do you think about the different perspectives presented by mainstream media compared to what you hear on the ground?

Zohra: The recent events in Afghanistan had a strong impact on Afghan women in Switzerland, and it really changed their lives. Their routines and daily lives were disrupted, and the emotional impact was heavy. Everyone was overwhelmed, regardless of their personal connections to Afghanistan. Some had family members back home, while others felt like they lost their country forever. The emotional shock remains within women, and there was a lot of despair. But the beauty of it is that we could take action and help on the ground. We worked tirelessly and put in insane hours to provide assistance. However, there was also a sense of injustice and disappointment that nobody seemed to truly care about Afghanistan beyond using the issue of women for media purposes. Women felt hopeless and even guilty, as if they had betrayed their sisters and mothers back home, despite having no control over the situation. Gathering together and discussing these feelings became a healing process for us.

Maryam: What are your plans for the future and how do you envision your contribution to the Afghan communities in Switzerland and Afghanistan through your association, Zebawatan?

Zohra: My plans for Zebawatan are to elevate the association to new heights. We have remarkable talents and resources within our organization, ranging from project management to branding and marketing. I aim to further strengthen our project management capabilities and make a more profound impact. My dream is to see the association thriving independently, where I can witness its projects and their positive impact on the ground. I want to feel proud of the association’s accomplishments and see it shining brightly. While complete self-sufficiency may not be entirely realistic, my ultimate goal is to create a lasting legacy that transcends individual members and ensures the spirit of Zebawatan endures. We have numerous aspirations, including providing aid in terms of food and education, as well as organizing unique events to raise awareness about Afghanistan. These are our visions for the future.

Final Message:

Embrace your unique path and never let limitations define you. Follow your dreams and passions with unwavering determination, regardless of societal expectations or obstacles. Trust your convictions and pursue what truly resonates with your heart, rather than chasing positions or status. Have the courage to take bold leaps, even when others may doubt or question your choices. Your belief in yourself and your relentless pursuit of what you love will lead you to growth, fulfillment, and success. Embrace the power of conviction, knowing that true confidence comes from genuine belief in your endeavors. Explore diverse interests and continuously seek personal and professional growth. Don’t be confined by the expectations of others, and make choices that align with your own values and aspirations. Embrace the journey, defy expectations, and find joy in pursuing your passions.