I was born in Ezdo village in the Diyadin district of Ağrı, in Kurdistan, the fifth of eight siblings. Our family lived in economic hardship. However, I grew up in a home rich in love, respect, and compassion. I learnt very early what poverty means. I also experienced exclusion, discrimination, humiliation, and oppression.
These experiences did not stop me from becoming who I am. On the contrary, they taught me to choose the harder path in life. I learned that it is easy to hurt, exclude and marginalise others. But it is harder to choose love, respect, empathy, and inclusion. I chose the harder path.
From the age of eleven, I began to experience exile and separation. For economic and political reasons, I was forced to leave my homeland, Kurdistan, and become part of the Kurdish diaspora. This became a lifelong journey of questioning and searching from a very young age.
Twenty-two years ago, I migrated to Australia. I arrived here not knowing the language or culture. I found the way of life not easy. I constantly asked myself: “What will I become?”, “Will I be able to stand on my own feet?”, “How will I fulfil my responsibilities to my family and community?” These fears often challenged me, but they never stopped me. I realised I had no alternative but to continue living. For me living also meant resisting.
During this journey, I learnt English, gained an education, and pursued a career in carpentry. Throughout this stage of my life I supported myself – working in construction, hospitality, cleaning, and dishwashing jobs. My work occupied my daytime hours and in the evenings I attended school and studied hard. I built wonderful connections and slowly established a new life. None of these challenges broke me. Instead, they strengthened my hope.
As a child I witnessed terrible injustices – human rights violations, racism, exclusion and discrimination. Where I lived in Kurdistan our language and culture were banned and local villages were destroyed. I remember these inhumane acts. They have shaped my direction in life.
These experiences are why I have chosen to dedicate my work to taking a stand for human rights and in particular to raise awareness of the struggles of my people, the Kurds, both in Kurdistan and among the diaspora. When I settled in Balmain, Sydney, I was always conscious of how could I give back to the community that welcomed me.
When I became an Australian Citizen, Rochelle Porteous was the mayor. When she gave me my certificate, she said “Welcome home”. As a Kurd, I had not been made welcome anywhere before. I joined the Greens and they are now my family.
The opportunity to give back to my community in Australia came in 2024. I was elected as a Inner West councillor. I am so honoured to now serve in Rochelle’s place on Inner West Council. But while this is a great honour I also feel a great responsibility. I thank the people of Balmain for their support and trust in me. And I appreciate that local Greens Party members preselected me to be a candidate in the election for the Inner West Council.
The reason I am sharing this is straightforward. Life gains meaning when you choose the difficult path. Never think “I can’t do it” or “I will not succeed.” When you are hopeful, determined, principled, honest and sincere, people will open doors for you and walk alongside you.