Somali Woman Wins Re-election to Belgian Local Council, Champions Equality and Housing Rights
Mogadishu (AX) — Sarah Mohamed Khalif, a Belgian with Somali roots, has once again secured a spot on Leuven’s city council. Her election marks a continued path-breaking journey in the European political scene. Notably, she remains the first Somali, Muslim, and immigrant woman to achieve this milestone, winning a second term after a tenacious campaign.
During her inaugural term, Sarah allied with the Vooruit party, aiming to cultivate a more inclusive Leuven. Her focus centered on enhancing social services for the vulnerable and aiding job hunters. “I strove to bolster accessible social services, especially for the struggling,” Sarah commented. Among her notable triumphs was fortifying support networks for the needy, an endeavor she’s eager to extend.
Aiming higher, her sophomore term is set to address enduring issues like affordable housing and systemic inequality, which she describes as Leuven’s pressing hurdles. “One primary aim is broadening affordable housing,” she elaborated. “We must guarantee healthcare, education, and jobs are available to all, irrespective of background.”
Sarah’s legislative outlook is influenced heavily by her personal confrontations with racism. These encounters have emboldened her resolve to face discrimination directly. “My experiences have cemented my belief that we must combat structural racism with concrete policies,” she asserted. In her role at Vooruit, she champions stricter enforcement of anti-discrimination laws and fosters diversity in societal tiers.
Her fervor in combating racism aligns with her quest to empower marginalized communities. As Belgium’s first Somali female politician, Sarah embodies a beacon for immigrant youth. “I aim to inspire young people, showing them that they can surmount barriers and lead,” she remarked.
Youth empowerment, with a special emphasis on mental well-being, ranks high on Sarah’s agenda. The previous year, she initiated a collaborative project focused on youth discussions around mental health, a movement she intends to expand. “We gather monthly to engage with youth on their stressors,” Sarah mentioned. “We must forge spaces where they feel acknowledged and supported.”
Additionally, she lobbies for enhanced preventive mental health initiatives in educational and community settings. “Pressures on youth are intense; we need to equip them with coping mechanisms,” she emphasized.
Sarah’s reelection signifies a growing tide of political transformation in Europe, where figures from immigrant backgrounds are emerging against systemic odds.
“This is just the beginning,” Sarah noted, accentuating her unwavering pursuit of equality and inclusivity. “Much work remains, but I’m devoted to ensuring that everyone in Leuven, despite their roots, can succeed.”
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
