From Iran to Halle

Belgium, the land of freedom

“My sister was the first of our family to flee to Belgium. At the age of 22, I followed her to build a better future for myself. The first thing I noticed was how much freedom there is here. Everyone is equal: men and women, religious and non-religious, etc. I lived with my sister and her children first who helped me learn Dutch. My parents have visited a few times, but I haven't seen my brother for 12 years. I'm afraid to go back to Iran, not even for a short period. Meanwhile, I've made new friends in Belgium and met my husband here: he's also Iranian, and came to Belgium for the same reason!”

In the right place at Colruyt

“Before I started working at Colruyt as a sales assistant, I worked in a small supermarket. When my husband and I were shopping at Colruyt one time, he said to me: ‘Wouldn't you enjoy working here more?' A big Belgian shop with lots of colleagues, yes, I was so up for that. After applying, I was able to start immediately. I feel completely at home in this well-oiled team. Working with Belgian colleagues taught me a lot about Belgium and the language. That was a great help. My ambition is to grow at Colruyt to become a department manager.”

Strict Iranian regime

“Of course I have fond memories of my childhood in Iran. But when I think back, I also remember the limited freedom and censorship. The Islamic Republic of Iran has many rules, imposed by the government. You're not allowed to think for yourself. Not even in your private life. Having a same-sex relationship, living together before you're married, all that is strictly forbidden. And as a woman, it's even harder, because you have fewer rights than men. For instance, the morality police strictly enforce a moral dress code in public places and you have to wear a head scarf.”

Protests in Iran

“Since September, millions of Iranians have been protesting for more freedom, following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was arrested by the morality police for not wearing her head scarf correctly. It hurts to hear and see these news reports. Part of my heart is still in Iran. My parents are not on the streets. It's the younger generation that is demonstrating. We're all very hopeful the uprising will finally change the living conditions in Iran. We have to remain optimistic!”