Shiraz’s Inspiring Journey: From Struggle to Resilience

At first glance, Shiraz may seem like any other young woman pursuing her dreams. She is studying programming and aspires to become a heart surgeon. In her free time, she enjoys belly dancing and has gained popularity on TikTok with thousands of views and likes on her videos.

However, beneath her cheerful exterior lies a story of immense hardship and resilience that might go unnoticed to the casual observer.

Shiraz bravely shares, “I first identified as a girl when I was a child. I yearned to attend a school for girls.”

Shiraz fled her hometown in Egypt in pursuit of greater freedom to be herself.

Shiraz’s revelation about her gender identity marked a turning point in her life. Unfortunately, her conservative family struggled to understand and accept her, responding with violence. As a teenager, she was subjected to painful electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and was made to believe that her identity was a mental disorder.

After enduring several sessions of ECT, Shiraz reached her breaking point and attempted to take her own life by jumping from the third floor. Fortunately, she was rescued by people who gathered downstairs.

The lack of support she received during this unimaginably difficult time made her journey even more challenging. The discrepancies between her real appearance and her official identity documents added to her struggles.

For a brief period, Shiraz found solace in her grandmother’s home, as her grandmother was her sole supporter. However, even there, she faced threats of violence, leaving her with no choice but to live on the streets.

It was during this desperate period that Shiraz discovered an NGO dedicated to helping individuals like her. Realizing the importance of finding a safe space to reflect on her future, she considered the possibility of migrating. This decision marked the beginning of her arduous journey to Türkiye.

Scars on Shiraz’s arms tell a story of struggle.

Her journey led her first to Istanbul and then to Mersin, a city in southern Türkiye. Life in these new places was far from easy, as Shiraz faced similar challenges and continued to seek support and protection.

Depressed and with little hope, Shiraz was fortunate to be referred to the Mersin Migrant Municipal and Community Centre. This center, operated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in coordination with the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality, offers comprehensive assistance to those in need. From psychosocial support to legal counseling and assistance with essential paperwork, the center became a lifeline for Shiraz.

“It was IOM that breathed life back into my dreams,” Shiraz says gratefully.

Over the past two years, the Center has become a beacon of hope for Shiraz. She received vital psychosocial support, assistance with finding accommodation, and translation support to obtain necessary identity documents. With the center’s help, Shiraz was able to enroll in a university in Izmir, where she currently studies programming.

While Shiraz is passionate about her current field of study, she dreams of switching to medicine. However, she acknowledges the need to improve her Turkish language skills for that transition. Her ultimate goal is to become a heart surgeon, as she believes it is our hearts that often bear the most pain and anguish, and she wants to dedicate her life to helping others.

Now in the process of resettlement to a third country, Shiraz eagerly anticipates a new chapter in her life. With proficiency in Arabic, German, English, French, and Spanish, she is confident in her ability to adapt and thrive in her permanent home.

The Municipal Migrant and Community Centre in Mersin, operated by IOM’s Protection and Resilience programming, is a testament to the power of collaboration between organizations and local municipalities. These centers, including the one in Mersin, play a crucial role in providing much-needed assistance to migrants and refugees, while also fostering community cohesion.

This initiative is made possible by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, reflecting their commitment to supporting vulnerable populations around the world.