Ode to Ghalia Jando | City with room to flourish

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Ghalia Jando is a Yezidi Kurd from Syria, a woman whose life has been shaped by lived experiences and challenges. Her journey toward self-discovery and freedom has brought her to Amsterdam, a city that feels like a second home to her. The city, with its rich history, vibrant cultural life and diversity, offers Ghalia not only a place to live, but also a space where she can embrace her own identity.

“For me, Amsterdam is a symbol of freedom,” Ghalia says. “The city has a unique energy in which modern progressiveness goes hand in hand with historical charm. It feels like a place where cultures come together, where ideas can flourish and where diversity is celebrated.” For Ghalia, Amsterdam's canals mirror the water canals in her native village, feeding life and bringing possibilities. As such, she sees the city as a place that gives herself, as well as others, the space to flourish.

As a woman from a complex background, Ghalia has overcome many challenges. One of the biggest was learning to stay true to herself, despite the pressure to conform to traditional expectations. Especially when it came to her relationship with her mother, Ghalia often faced criticism. People thought she didn't listen enough to her mother or that her relationship with her was disrupted because she followed her own path. “These kinds of comments were frustrating,” she says. “But they actually made me stronger and helped me embrace my own choices.”

These experiences shaped Ghalia into the woman she is today: a leader of her own life, with a deep-seated sense of responsibility. “It taught me that it's important to stay true to your own dreams and passions, even if others don't understand that,” she explains. “It's hard, but it makes you stronger. Life is a journey, and every setback offers an opportunity to grow.”

Ghalia's time in Amsterdam has not only helped her discover her own strength, but also fueled her passion to support other women. “I strongly believe in the power of women,” she says. “I always try to be a source of support for those who feel insecure or face the same challenges. I want to show them that they are strong, capable and able to pursue their goals.” By sharing her own experiences, Ghalia hopes to help other vr

The women who have inspired Ghalia the most are those who always believed in her: her mother, but also her friends, such as Heleen, Petra, Jolande and Mathilde.
“Their belief in me gives me so much strength,” she says. “They help me remember who I am and give me the courage to keep going, even in difficult times.” For Ghalia, their support is a crucial part of her journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

Today, Ghalia continues to share her story, with the hope of showing other women that they are not alone in their struggles. Her message is simple yet powerful: “Life is a journey full of challenges, but every step we take makes us stronger. Don't let the expectations of others hold you back. Follow your own path and believe in your own strength.”

Ghalia Jando's story is an inspiration to anyone seeking freedom, growth and resilience. In Amsterdam, a city that gives her the space to flourish, she hopes to make a difference by showing other women that they are capable of anything.