Ode to Shanice Goedoen | Journey to self-discovery

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Shanice Goedoen, born in Amsterdam to a fifth-generation immigrant family from India and Surinam, has dedicated her life to overcoming the challenges that arise from her identity as a woman and an immigrant. Her life story reflects the struggle of the modern woman, who wrestles with the pressure of her cultural heritage and the expectations of both her family and society.

Shanice considers Amsterdam not just a city, but a home. “Amsterdam really is the most beautiful city in the world,” she says. She has traveled extensively and discovered different cultures, but every time she returns to Amsterdam, it feels like coming home. The city offers her not only a physical shelter, but also emotional comfort. The diversity of cultures in Amsterdam has inspired and shaped Shanice and has played an important role in the discovery of her own identity.

Shanice has witnessed the struggles of women in her family, especially in the context of their migration history. Her mother, who came from Surinam, always worked hard for her family while also taking on the role of housewife. Shanice says: “Our mothers have achieved so much, but we, their daughters, experience the same struggles.” The challenge for Shanice was balancing her personal ambition with the expectations of her culture and family.

The traditional division of roles within her family, where women often bear the burden of the household, has made Shanice think about the role of women in her generation. Her mother fought for work and personal development, but at the same time took on the responsibility for the household. Shanice finds it difficult to find this balance in her own life.

Choosing a life of happiness

In recent years, Shanice has decided to live her life in a way that makes her happy. “Every year I make a new resolution, and this year I really want to live my life in a way that makes me happy,” she says. Shanice tries to shake off the pressure from her family and the stories of previous generations and follow her own path. She no longer wants to feel guilty for being happy, but wants to create her own happiness.

The women in Shanice's life play a crucial role in her personal development. She credits her mother, aunts, sisters and friends as the pillars of support that helped her through difficult times. “Women have given me my life back,” says Shanice. However, she emphasizes that these women are not celebrities, but women from her immediate environment. “It is the women in my life who make the difference,” she says with conviction.

Shanice believes that Amsterdam, with its rich cultural diversity, is a city where women can inspire and support each other. The different backgrounds and experiences of women in the city create a shared experience of strength and solidarity. Shanice believes that Amsterdam as a city can play a major role in the advancement of women, especially women with a migration background. “Amsterdam is the place where development takes place and where women can make their voices heard,” she says.

Shanice Goedoen's story is a powerful testimony to the challenges women face, especially in the context of migration. Her search for balance, happiness and self-discovery is an example for women who find themselves caught between the expectations of their family and culture and their own dreams. Shanice's story encourages women not to be afraid to choose their own happiness and to recognize that they are not alone in their struggle.
 

Shanice's life path, characterized by the support of the women around her, is a source of inspiration for other women, especially those facing similar challenges. “It reminds us that true strength often comes from the women in our own lives, and not from the stars we see on TV.”