The desire to return

At the mid-term in Catania, we had the pleasure of meeting Samira Raji, a woman of Moroccan origin, who has been living in Italy, in Catania, for 15 years.Her speech in the afternoon of 24 October 2024, dedicated to project stakeholders, allowed us to explore the guiding question of the We Propose project.

What is the desire and thought of Moroccan women when they imagine a return to their country of origin?

Thanks to her experience as an intercultural mediator, Samira Raji offered us an important perspective, which we report in full below.

"Hello everyone, my name is Samira Raji, I am Moroccan. I have been living in Italy for 15 years. Today I want to share my experience and my point of view on a topic that is very close to my heart: the desire of many Moroccan women, like me, to return to their country and the experiences I have had working with other migrants and how these have influenced my life. When I arrived in Italy, I was 17 years old with big dreams and expectations. Here I found opportunities to study and work in various fields.

My career as a cultural mediator began when I realised how difficult it was for many migrants to adapt to a new reality. This role allows me to act as a bridge between different cultures, facilitating communication and mutual understanding.

I have worked in various contexts, such as first reception centres with the Italian Red Cross at the via Forcile hub in Catania, and schools. For example, in a reception centre, where I helped migrants understand the services available, from health to education. I also organised workshops on cultural and legal issues, to provide useful information and reduce the anxiety related to integration. Every day I faced different and enormous challenges, I met people with extraordinary stories. Often, the language barrier was a significant obstacle, but I learnt to use different tools and techniques to facilitate communication. I also saw how some migrants' traumatic experiences could affect their resilience, and this taught me the importance of empathy and active listening. This experience had a profound impact on me. Not only did I develop practical skills, such as conflict management and negotiation, but I also became more aware of different cultural realities. I realised that while we try to help others, we can also learn a lot from them.

During this journey, I also faced my own challenges. At times, I felt that I did not fully belong anywhere. My identity was a mixture of cultures, and I often found myself pondering what ‘home’ really meant. as the years passed, I began to feel a growing nostalgia for my country, my family and my culture. For many of us, returning is not only a desire to reconnect with our roots, but also a search for identity. Living in another country can make us feel a little ‘out of place’. Some may face difficulties in the country where they live, such as discrimination, isolation or lack of opportunities.My culture, traditions and family relationships are fundamental parts of who I am. Returning to Morocco would mean re-embracing all this.Despite this, the experience I am telling you about today is entirely positive. However, the return is not easy. Fears about reintegration into the labour market and society can be overwhelming. Personally, I am afraid that my skills will not be recognised or that my life abroad will not be appreciated.In my work, I met Nadya , a 33-year-old Moroccan woman, who lived in Italy for over ten years. After obtaining a degree in engineering, he decided to return to Morocco to contribute to his country. She says she felt a strong connection to her culture and her family. Nadya found it difficult to adapt initially, but received support from a local association that helps women reintegrate into the labour market. She now works in a technology company and is training other young women in her skills.The return of women has led to the creation of a women's development network in Morocco, which promotes entrepreneurship and leadership among women. These women are creating start-ups, supporting the local economy and breaking gender stereotypes, promoting women's empowerment and creating a more inclusive environment. In Italy, I have found some useful resources for women like me. There are associations that offer training and support for re-employment, and this helped me to feel more prepared. In particular, mentoring programmes can make a difference, offering a support network between women who have gone through similar experiences.

In conclusion, the desire to return home is a complex and personal issue. Moroccan women who return can bring invaluable value to their country, but they need support and resources to meet the challenges of reintegration. I hope that together we can create an environment in which these women can thrive and realise their potential and that is more conducive to their return and integration. Reiterate the importance of recognising and supporting these women's desire to return, not only for their own well-being, but also for the contribution they can make to their society. So, thank you, Italy, for the opportunities and the welcome. My journey here has enriched my life and taught me the value of diversity and inclusion.

My role as a cultural mediator is not just a job, but a mission. That is, to contribute to building bridges between cultures.

I hope I can continue to make a difference, helping others to feel at home, wherever they are".