Ode to Amba-Henna Charry | Being and becoming visible

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Amba-Henna Charry is a Surinamese woman of African descent. She has developed into a multi-talented entrepreneur and a powerful role model for women worldwide. Born in Suriname but raised in Amsterdam, Amba has traveled an impressive journey in which she overcame many challenges and rediscovered her own strength.

Amba calls herself a 'multi-talented entrepreneur', a term that reflects her versatility and passion. She writes books, offers coaching to women and focuses on boosting their self-confidence. Her coaching is mainly aimed at women, particularly within the African diaspora, who often have to deal with cultural and social barriers.
 

“We women have often lost our strength because we have been taught to only be sweet and cheerful, to not make too much drama. But it is important to go back to the core of who we really are,” she says. She is convinced that by helping women rediscover their strength, they can contribute to a strong community of women.
 

Amba wrote a triptych for the online newspaper Fos'ten, specifically aimed at women from Suriname. “I like to write about women from the African diaspora because their stories are often invisible in the media. Women within the African diaspora in particular are an invisible group in society.”

Like many women, Amba has also had to deal with personal and social obstacles. She emphasizes that setting boundaries as a woman is a major challenge because you are not taught to do so at home. “As a woman, it is often difficult to be who you are, to identify yourself as a woman and to dare to set your boundaries.” She also talks about the daily challenges black women face, such as how they are often judged based on their appearance or voice, and the prejudice they are confronted with.

One of the biggest personal challenges for Amba was the premature birth of her child, who was born after 24 weeks. This was a moment of extreme vulnerability and pain, but it also taught her to stand stronger than ever. In addition, Amba spent twenty years in a wheelchair and now, more than four years later, she is once again standing on her own two feet. The challenge for her now is to dare to use the tools necessary for a Chronically Happy Life.
 

The influence of Amsterdam on her identity

Amsterdam has had a major influence on Amba's life. As a city with a rich history, especially with regard to the African diaspora, she feels a strong connection. “Amsterdam took us from Africa and brought us to Suriname, and now we are here,” she explains. “Amsterdam is my city, it is where I grew up and where I formed my identity.”

Inspiring and helping others grow

Amba is not only concerned with her own growth, but also with supporting others. Her coaching programs are aimed at women who want to rediscover their strength and pursue their dreams with confidence. “Everything is possible as long as you don't limit yourself.” She encourages women to face their fears, take on challenges and not let themselves be limited by the standards and expectations others have of them.
 

With her work, her personal stories and her constant search for personal and social change, Amba is an inspiration to many. “You have the power within yourself to change your life. It's not about where you come from, but about the choices you make.”