Fadwa, 31
Born in Casablanca, Morocco
Came to Australia in February 2018
What is your occupation?
I’m a Procurement Category Manager and I’m currently on maternity leave.
Why did you come to Australia?
I lived in Paris for a few years, where I met my husband. We then moved to Ireland, where we lived for another few years. We then sold everything and decided to travel for a year, travelling around Africa, Asia.
While travelling around Asia, I discovered I was pregnant. Consequently, I got to experience the medical systems of various Asian countries, like Vietnam, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia etc. We figured out we needed a place to settle down and raise the kids.
We looked at options like Singapore, New Zealand and Australia and my husband secured a Software Manager position in Sydney. From there, we started the whole process of emigrating here by securing sponsorship visas with his company.
What do you like about Sydney?
I really love Sydney. Wherever you go, you’re surrounded by water and nature.
You feel safe, you don’t feel the need to watch your back necessarily on public transport. This is definitely not the case in a few cities where we’ve previously lived.
As a parent, I like how Australian kids are raised. For example, they say thanks to the bus driver and give up their seats for adults. They look around and care for their surroundings; they aren’t selfish at all.
It’s very family-friendly as well with all the playgrounds and parks.
What don’t you like about Sydney?
It’s so expensive to buy a house! I just don’t get it. Like when you compare Sydney to say, Brisbane, the property price differences are stark.
I have noticed that compared to European countries, Australia still needs to work on gender equality. For example, the mums are expected to take a longer period of maternity leave and have expectations set upon them in terms. Additionally, many companies offer very few days for paternity leave.
Keep in mind that I left Morocco when I was 20; obviously, we have it quite well compared to most other places around the world.
Childcare is expensive. You can tell all my answers are to do with my kids.
What would you like to say to Sydneysiders?
If you get the chance, go to Morocco!
What languages do you speak?
Moroccan Arabic (native), English, French
Moroccan Arabic is heavily influenced by languages such as Berber, and to a lesser extent, French and Spanish, to the point where a lot of other native Arabic speakers cannot really understand us. However, because we consume media from other Arabic-speaking countries like Egypt and Syria, we can understand them fine.
French is our second language so I was already fluent in it before I travelled to France to study for my Master.
Teach us one word/phrase from your native language.
لباس
Lebes - How are you?
When you meet someone, they’ll ask about your family’s wellbeing, not just yourself. You can also reply “lebes” to show you’re fine; it can be both the question and the answer.
What is one thing you want us to know about your native country?
Morocco is the destination of a lifetime. There’s so much to experience, whether it’s nature, history, culture or food. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported in time just walking around the streets.
For a first-timer, go to Marrakech for the nightlife, Fez for its medina, Essaouira for the ocean views and Gnaoua Music Festival and the desert. Definitely go and experience the Sahara desert, it’s also a different experience compared to the rest of Morocco.
One piece of advice: learn to say no thank you. Not everything is what it seems. Keep this in mind when you’re shopping.
Who is the most famous person in your native country?
Saad Lamjarred- the singer.
He modernised Moroccan music by introducing elements of pop. At the same time, he was embroiled in a lot of scandals involving rape allegations.
I listen to him at least once a week.
What is the best dish in your native country?
Couscous. We call it kesksou in Morocco though and it isn’t just the grains. We cook it with 7 different types of vegetables. It can be with lamb, beef or chicken.
It’s something you enjoy as a family; you wouldn’t really eat this by yourself. Most traditional families eat it on Friday since that’s the day for prayers but more modern families eat it on Sunday.
I also love tanjia, which is a dish only found in Marrakech, comprised of meat with preserved lemon, garlic, olive oil. It’s considered a bachelor’s dish and usually, it’s the men of a family that make it.
Disclaimer: All posts are personal opinions and perspectives of the interviewees and are not a perfect representation of the whole country/experience.
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