Women Stories – Oxfam

Mariama

When I ask Natia where she comes from, she replies that she is from a small village, close to Florence. Her Country of origin is far away from her now.

"For me, Italy was a country that respects people's rights. I imagined Italy like this, before leaving. What impressed me once I arrived were the woods, the forests, I didn't expect so much green. People are kind, I met some Italian women, one of them is a saleswoman in the supermarket, at the bread counter. We are friends now!"

Intesar

Intesar does not want to take a picture of herself; she prefers to share the place where her children play after school.

"For me, Italy is very similar to Egypt. People are kind: at the post office, at the hospital, at school, at the supermarket; mothers at the playground a little less. What job would I do? I've never worked, I don't know what job I'd like to do. I don't want a particular job. My desire is just to work ”

Natia

"“I already knew some elements from Italian history, geography and literature before coming. I like Florence very much, I love art a lot and I hope to visit the museums that I haven't seen yet. I did a cooking class, this is also my passion. But most of all I would like to go back to teaching. In my country I was a professor of literature. Now I miss the books, I miss reading in my language, but above all I miss teaching. I would do anything to teach again”"