Abida Hasana

Abida Hasana
25/06/1993
Rajshahi, Bangladesh

I was different from the girls my age; perhaps because of that, I was not treated with much affection. I was very interested in new things and wanted to explore the world. My family was very conservative, so I was often repressed. I left my parents’ home at a very young age to study and completed a Fine Arts degree at university, specialising in Ceramics. I am the mother of two children and I very much enjoy motherhood. I am a person who tries to remain aware of all aspects of our daily life, including education, wellbeing, and the political situation. Politics plays a very important role in our home; my husband and I often have conversations about the political situation in Portugal, Bangladesh, and the world.
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I have the will and desire to become more deeply involved in my community, especially with women, so that they can feel socially present, connected to one another, and to the world around them. I want participation and connection to replace hardship and isolation. I carry with me the idea of collectivity, of paths built together, of greater integration and less individuality.
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In Porto I appreciate the silence and calm, which is different from the chaotic place where I lived in Bangladesh. The people of Porto are kind and communicative. I like the sun and the climate in Porto; it is similar to where I come from. Walking through the city is a ritual for me — I gradually recognise the space, the time, and the place where I live.
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Language is the biggest barrier to integration, and the process of learning the language is essential for full integration. I believe this learning process should be promoted and supported for a longer period. How can one practise and where can one practise Portuguese? This is one of the major integration challenges for the Bangladeshi community.
In Bangladesh we are very assertive and political. Here, I would like to get closer to groups and movements that advocate for social issues and encourage others to do the same.
I dream of holding a political position where I can have a real impact on the community. I would love to see myself in that position so I could solve as many problems as possible. Because a leader has a different kind of power from ordinary people, doesn’t she?