I had the pleasure of speaking with Zakia, a Muslim Woman of Moroccan descent from the UK.
We discussed her background in career change and the reasons why she made the move. With a degree in Socio-Politics and a Masters in Psychology, her pathway in Journalism suddenly took a turn to a highway in Trauma Therapy. But why?…
It’s the 90’s, and after obtaining her degree in Russia, a renown newspaper agency in North Africa offered Zakia a job as a journalist.
Zakia Ellbadre Martin | Career Change
The excitement for such a huge opportunity was immense! Unfortunately, that excitement didn’t last long. Zakia had experienced something that had led to her change of direction in her profession.
So, What Went Wrong?
“I felt discriminated against as a woman” she told me. “In a workplace whereby it’s 97% men, the voices of the other 3% of women were unheard and dismissed.” She went on to explain, “our opinions and ideas were pushed to the side… and so for that, I left the industry”. The discrimination against women was not the only reason that put Zakia off this job. “I didn’t agree with the dynamics of how the media industry operated regarding their authenticity of information”. It seems that the environment did not sit well with her ethical values.
Goodbye Journalism. Hello Therapy!
One plane up towards Europe, a Masters in Psychology and a passion for an impactful career, Zakia had a stronger vision to where she was heading.
Zakia Al-Badr, UK “I wanted to be heard, & actually make a difference” By Bouchra A.W. 11th June 2024 The Vicegerent “I then worked towards becoming a Trauma Therapist, because I wanted to be more practical in helping people, be heard and actually make a difference”. She landed a role as a counsellor within the PTSD department for a government body. When I asked Zakia whether it was difficult finding an organisation that aligned with her values, her response was, “I have been very careful about choosing where to work, ensuring that the company culture has created a safe workplace for religious minorities”. Now, that is something that many, if not all minorities look for in professions today.
She went on to describe, “whenever my faith comes up at work, I do my best not to get too emotionally involved, as I never want to create workplace tensions that might make it tough to do my job”. And because of this, she’s internalised a lot on discrimination, confidentiality and ethical boundaries.
Twas’ a Successful Outcome, After All
Sometimes success lies in the unexpected choices we make in life. Zakia may not have climbed up the ladder from a journalist to an editor, she did however take the elevator up towards a befitting role that aligned with her values and served her purpose within her career.
After asking her to highlight a successful moment within her career, she replied, “I love being a part in helping someone get their life back after a difficult time… being able to finally speak up for myself and help those who want to learn”.
One cup of tea and an insightful discussion later, I was moved by Zakia’s story. She emigrated to another continent to study a degree in journalism, only to discover that a few years later she’d be leaving the industry as result of sexism and discrimination. No one should ever have to experience something like this, regardless of location. Although this was back in the 90’s, Zakia argues that women still experience this, here in the UK today.
To conclude our discussion, Zakia was happy to share with us her message to other Muslim women, the industry and The Vicegerent.
Salam Muslim Women,
“speak more openly and embody your confidence. Don’t neglect your potential and utilise all the materials you possibly can to achieve your success!”
Dear Industry,
“don’t single people out because of their background, religion and ethnicity.”
I Want The Vicegerent to…
“access as many Muslim women in the world as possible and illustrate their stories.
Cover as many industries as possible, because all women should be heard.”
