Nesrine Amhaz, a participant of the ” Step towards Municipal Elections” project, funded by the Embassy of Netherlands, gave our website an exclusive interview. She started by explaining “I am Nesrine Amhaz. I descend from Nabha but currently reside in Baalbeck. I am 25, single and I carry a degree in finance. I work with the Agency of Planning and Development APD”. She continued saying “In our line of work, we deal with municipal unions regularly and that got me looking into the aspects of municipal work, so when the opportunity presented itself it was too good to turn down”.
“At first impression I thought it would be a beautiful fun experience, but now I recognize the magnitude of this project and its impact, truly staggering. I am more committed and more enthusiastic about it; I mean how many times can you say I am creating social change? This project is character building; the workshops are very interesting it’s hard to skip any. This project has built up my information on many aspects of municipal work; it has also evolved me on the human level. I have gained great leadership skills and have vastly increased my emotional intelligence. Furthermore, this project has rendered me a more committed and responsible person.”
Responding to the project’s social impact,”That is going to be out there for everyone to see. But seriously we are brewing the perfect storm, change is coming and female leaders will emerge in society; that is my promise”. Then she was quizzed about how she is expecting the society to react; she answered, “My motto in life is: Tough exists, but nothing is impossible”.”Truthfully I foresee one tough ride up ahead, but that will not stop us, we have the will, support and the courage. Just wait and see what I and my girls will do”. The reporter exclaimed “You’re Girls!!?” to which she answered “my colleagues have really grown on me, I have become really attached to those ladies. It is not a matter of common interests and benefits but more of a friendship bond. We will work as a single unit just because we are united in interest and friendship”.
When examined about running for elections and hindrances, she said: “I would love that but my financial situation currently hinders me. Campaigns cost a lot; if I had the financial support, I would run in a heartbeat. Hindrances are just in our heads, even male spouse dominance ideas. For me I would never choose a spouse that holds me back; he needs to respect my feminism and my aspirations. He needs to understand that it surpasses rights; it is my moral obligation and my duty as a pioneer. I am an advocate of Human Rights and not only women’s. In our society women have their rights, they are just too afraid to use them. In this project, I see myself a catalyst for gender equality”. Nesrine signed off with “I just want to thank you and all the project staff, you guys have been amazing. I want also to Give a shout out to LOST who is reshaping society, and to the people of the Kingdom of the Netherlands who are really changing our lives with their kind gestures”.
