When a field trip to the UN office at Geneva changes your career prospects.
20 MW UNDER 20 | Kenza Abboud
On starting the series of 20 Muslim Women under 20, I had the opportunity of interviewing Kenza Abboud on her experiences and success as a 19 years old young woman. Living between Belgium and the Netherlands, she shares with us her perspective, thoughts and advice of what ‘success’ looks like for her and how she envisions the future excellence of Muslim women.
Her background
Kenza is ethnically a mixture of Moroccan, Swedish and Finnish, who as a result of her father’s work, has had the opportunity to live around the world, as thus, be exposed to different cultures and religions. From kindergarten in Sweden, primary school in the UK, to finishing high school in Morocco, she now resides in the Netherlands, where she’s currently studying her undergraduate degree in European Law, at the University of Maastricht. On weekends, if she’s not visiting her family home in Brussels, she’s either hiking at Jekerdal or hanging out with friends in dutch coffee shops.
What are your recent accomplishments?
“I had a great opportunity to do some academic training for my father, at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. Being able to kickstart my academic and future career in this manner was so thrilling.”
Have you always been interested in Human Rights Law?
“Not really. I used to find it quite complicated, but during this mission trip, and after hearing the possible solutions of adding peace to the world issues, in person, I began to have a better understanding of the potential impact it may have, as well as the extent it holds within the legal field.”
How do you envision your success?
“I would love to reach a point where I am able to manage multiple parts of myself, such as being able to study, pray, socialise, take care of my well-being, and make an impact in the world. I envision a future where my career is useful in helping others, which is why I am now considering a career in Human Rights and International Law”.
Can you tell us more about your experience at university?
“My experience overall has been great, the university staff are quite understanding and won’t tolerate any form of Islamophobia, especially with what’s going on in the Middle-east at the moment. However, I found that some students, are not completely knowledgable about Islam. This is probably because religion is viewed as a ‘taboo topic’ and people are uncomfortable to openly talk about it. A lot of students struggle with anxiety and exam stress, and the University is good at providing well-being assistance, but not all of us want to speak to a therapist, some of us just want to speak to God.”
Your Message to other young MW
“ I have 5 key points for them:
1. Be confident and proud of who you are.
2. Whatever environment you’re in, don’t apologise in what you believe in.
3. You have every right to raise any issues that bring you down in regards to your belief.
4. Be organised to be successful
5. Surround yourself with the right people that respect you.”
Your message to the European University Industry
“The UK has more tolerant policies that befit Muslim students and I think the rest of Europe should learn from them. European universities are quite liberal and accepting of students’ values, but many muslim students still feel they are least favoured. Students shouldn’t have to feel ashamed to ask to go to the prayer room, just like those students who are openly excused for cigarette breaks. I wish we had a space at the university where we can have a free dialogue to share opinions and knowledge of Islam and other religions, it would make it less awkward for those of us who want to practice our prayers without being judged.”
Envisioning The Vicegerent
“Everyone has a different journey and pathway to Islam, I hope The Vicegerent showcases this. It would be great to read success stories of Muslim women from different ages, experiences and ethnicities.”
