SPOTLIGHT:CECILE KYENGE

A trailblazer is defined as a person who blazes a trail to guide others; a pioneer. And although the role of a trailblazer can be trying,  Minister of Integration Cecile Kyenge is taking it all in stride.

Originally from Kambove in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kyenge made a decision to move to Italy in 1983. Cecile started off her career in the medical field, receiving a degree in medicine and surgery from the  Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Rome.

She founded the Association for Intercultural DAWA, "dawa" meaning medicine, in 2002 which aimed to promote a healthy relationship among different cultures and create awareness, integration and cooperation between Italy and Africa; this marked the beginning of her political career.

Now acting as Italy's first black Minister for Integration, Kyenge first major hurdle is passing a law which grants citizenship to children of immigrants if they're born on Italian soil. On top of her new found political responsibilities, Kyenge has also faced her fair share of racial discrimination since being appointed in April of this year, including having bananas thrown at her at a recent conference in Cervia. Regardless of the challenges her new position presents, Cecile Kyenge continues to handle the struggles she faces with a great deal of poise, class, and dignity.

“It’s not easy. Since my appointment I have suffered racist attacks every day. I don’t consider these to be attacks on me personally, but rather attacks on the institution that I represent. At the same time, it is a major experience. This difficult part of my life is always in my mind. My goal is always the same – to support others."

                                                                            - Cecile Kyenge

-FARIDA