My name is Fadimatou, and I want to share my story with you—a story of hope, struggle, and resilience. I am a 27-year-old woman from Cameroon, where my very existence was criminalized because of my sexual orientation. I fled my home, seeking safety and a chance to live freely in Malta, but the journey has been anything but easy.
A Journey of Escape
When I arrived in Malta, I was filled with dreams of a better life. I thought I could finally be myself without fear. Instead, I faced rejection; my asylum application was denied. Now, I find myself working as a cleaner in a hotel, a job that is far from what I envisioned for my life.
"I just wanted to be free," I often remind myself as I scrub floors and make beds. But freedom feels elusive when harassment lurks around every corner.
The Weight of Harassment
Every day at work, I face the unwanted advances of my male colleagues. They believe that because I am an African woman, I am somehow “available.”
All African women who work here are always available," they say, as if their words justify their actions.
To cope with this constant harassment, I've changed how I dress. Gone are the days of wearing clothes that express my femininity; now, I hide my body beneath baggy clothing. "I thought maybe it was my outfits that called for attention," feeling the weight of shame and fear pressing down on me.
The Struggle to Be Heard
I have tried to speak up about the harassment, but my complaints often fall on deaf ears. My female colleagues from other EU countries do not endure the same treatment; they are not subjected to crude proposals for sex or offered money in exchange for favors. "It’s like they see me as less than human," I say, reflecting on the painful reality that many migrants face.
I cannot afford to be too strong in my complaints. I need this job to survive in a foreign land where opportunities are abundant, but my status keeps many doors closed for me.
The Power of Misinformation
The negative portrayal of people like me feeds into this cycle of abuse. Migrants are often depicted as burdens or threats in media narratives, which only serves to justify the mistreatment we endure. Even politicians contribute to this narrative. Former Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat once said he would protect Maltese jobs, implying that foreigners like me must toil under harsh conditions.
"Better communication should be made available," I argue passionately. We need to challenge these stereotypes that fuel prejudices and create an environment where everyone can feel safe and respected.
A Call for Change
My story is not just mine; it reflects the struggles of many who seek refuge from oppression and violence. "We must confront misinformation by sharing our experiences and advocating for change. It is imperative that we dismantle harmful stereotypes and build a more inclusive society.
This article is part of a campaign “Road To Inclusive Narratives” led by Anna Lindh Foundation to reduce the spread of misinformation in selected countries in the Mediterranean.
Ending Misinformation Before It Begins #StartsWithYou
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