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MIGRANT WOMAN #2 may 2014
Ivana Bartoletti Campaigner and politician on a mission By Mirela Sula
Ivana has lived in London for six years, but if you follow her career you would think that she has lived in the UK for most of her life. With an enchanting Italian accent and a huge supportive network, she feels right at home. We met on a sunny spring day. Ivana was preparing to give a speech for the European Parliamentary Elections as the London candidate for the Labour party.
H
er eloquence and confident approach captivates the attention of every person in the room, so much so that even a young boy watches her attentively. He is her 9-year-old son, who, together with his father, support the human rights advocate and politician. Gazing into his eyes, she asks him enthusiastically, “Did you like it?” “Yes sure!” He replies. We decided to talk on her way out of the meeting about the details of this interview, but immediately I saw that all of her attention is devoted to her son. We have chosen Ivana for our cover story, not only because she has forged a highly successful career whilst being a loving and dedicated mother, but also be-
cause she is a highly ethical individual who has worked most of her life to create equal opportunities for women in all levels of society. In 2012, she was awarded the Best Business Award for Best Personal Achievement in the Public Sector from National Health Service Protect for protecting frontline staff from nuisances and disturbing behaviour such as harassment. In her early 30s, Ivana is young, but has achieved a lot in life. Through this interview we will learn that Ivana is a seeker of justice and shares her positive energy with everyone that she meets. She is an extraordinary woman whose story will not only inspire migrant women, but all women. We would like to share her story with you, as we believe that women like her need to be encouraged as they help make the world a better place.