Nzinga’s Vision: Family, Strength and Community on International Women’s Day
Nzinga’s vision of strength, faith, community, and the future she refuses to give up on.
To mark International Women’s Day, we are sharing a powerful new short film created with N’zinga (pseudonym used), who tells the story of her vision board in her own words. The film brings together her memories, symbols of strength, and hopes for the future after more than three decades of uncertainty.
The film accompanies our research report, Raising Children: Safeguarding Children in Parental Deportation Decisions, the first empirical study examining the experiences of children during long and complex parental deportation proceedings. The research highlights that children’s voices, needs and perspectives are often missing in decisions that shape their lives.
Below, Nzinga shares her story in her own words, exactly as she tells it in the film.
“My Vision for Tomorrow” – by Nzinga
(Pseudonym used)
Happy International Women’s Day.
Just lift up your head high, my sister. Woman is powerful.
This board is my vision for the future, for tomorrow, for my family and for other families living deportation threats and immigration issues.
The handprint symbolises children and family. My kids are why I never give up in life.
The Bible symbolises faith and strength. God is powerful.
Hot sun on a beach. For over 34 years, I couldn't travel, work, study. Now I am able to dream big.
When I didn't have papers, it was like I was in chains. Mandela reminds me that even after he is in chains, you can rise and become president.
Dreams and ambitions: Food and money. I'm making noise with my business. I want posters everywhere and franchises.
The hands represent community and village. When I couldn't be there for my children, aunties stepped in.
Superwoman on the board symbolises power.
When you look at this finished board, I hope you feel hope. Let's lift up high, all our sisters and our children.
Thank you very much, and a happy, happy, happy International Women's Day for us all.
About the Research
Our new research, Raising Children: Safeguarding Children in Parental Deportation Decisions, explores the experiences of thousands of families like Nzinga's navigating long and complex deportation proceedings. It highlights how children’s voices, needs and perspectives are often missing in decisions that shape their lives.
