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Interview with Zeedah Meierhofer-Mangeli

Mounira Chaieb . Episode 4 . 31:10

Leading Feminist Voices Project

Interview with Zeedah Meierhofer-Mangeli

Episode 4 Mounira Chaieb 10/17/2024

Welcome to ALC Radio, where we bring you voices that challenge, inspire, and redefine leadership in Africa and beyond. I’m Mounira Chaieb, and today, in the fourth part of the Leading Feminist Voices project, we hear from Zeedah Meierhofer-Mangeli—an educator, social justice advocate, and a trailblazer in women’s rights and race relations. From her early days in Kenya to breaking barriers in Switzerland, Zeedah’s journey is one of resilience, self-leadership, and a relentless commitment to justice.

Zeedah’s story begins with the woman who influenced her the most—her mother. A widow who defied cultural norms, her mother embodied self-leadership, discipline, and strength, setting a high standard for Zeedah. Rejecting societal expectations, she navigated life with unwavering determination, instilling in Zeedah the importance of being a “difficult” woman—stubborn in her convictions and fearless in pursuit of her goals.

In the late 1970s, Zeedah made the bold decision to migrate to Switzerland—a move that was met with curiosity rather than resistance in her matriarchal family. However, in her new home, she encountered a different challenge: racism. Initially shocked by the exclusion and discrimination, Zeedah developed resilience, choosing not just to survive but to educate and challenge the systemic biases she faced.

Her leadership journey took many forms. From volunteering as the first Black female firefighter in her rural Swiss community—where she navigated both gender and racial biases—to founding a resource centre for Black women, Zeedah carved out spaces where none existed. Her advocacy extended to the most marginalised, including African sex workers, as she campaigned against discriminatory visa policies that left women vulnerable to exploitation.
Zeedah’s activism reached the political sphere when she became the first Black woman to run for public office in Switzerland, a move that sent ripples through the African diaspora. Her visibility alone was a statement—challenging norms, inspiring others, and pushing for systemic change in policies affecting migrant communities.

Throughout her career, she remained a vocal critic of patriarchy and racism, balancing her activism with the realities of personal life—raising mixed-race children in a society often blind to its own privileges.

As we reflect on Zeedah’s remarkable journey, the leadership lessons she shares are profound: the necessity of self-care, the power of women’s solidarity, and the importance of securing resources for women-led initiatives. She reminds us that feminism is not just about resistance but about creating sustainable, supportive communities.

Stay tuned for more voices like Zeedah’s—women who lead, who challenge, and who pave the way for the next generation. This is ALC Radio, where leadership is redefined.

Zeedah Meierhofer-Mangeli: Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges for Women’s Rights

Episode Outline:

Guest: Zeedah Meierhofer-Mangeli
Host: Mounira Chaieb
Show: ALC Radio – Leading Feminist Voices Project
Citation: Meierhofer-Mangeli, Zeedah (Guest). “Zeedah Meierhofer-Mangeli: Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges for Women’s Rights” Hosted by Mounira Chaieb. The ALC Pan-African Radio. October 17, 2024. Podcast, Mp3. 31:10. https://alcafricanradio.com/index.php/audio/leading-feminists-voices-episode-4-zeedah-meierhofer-mangeli

1. Introduction to Zeedah’s Leadership Journey (00:00:11 – 00:00:37)

Host Mounira Chaieb introduces Zeedah Meierhofer-Mangeli, an educator and specialist on social justice, women’s rights, and race relations from Kenya.
Sets the stage by highlighting her migration to Switzerland in the late 1970s and her groundbreaking work as a Black woman in spaces traditionally dominated by men.

2. Influences and Early Leadership Lessons (00:00:41 – 00:02:50)

Zeedah credits her mother as her biggest influence, describing her as a disciplined, self-reliant, and resilient single parent who defied societal norms.
Shares how her mother rejected cultural expectations like remarriage, teaching Zeedah the value of self-acceptance and resilience.

3. Migration and Cultural Challenges (00:02:56 – 00:06:58)

Zeedah explains why she chose Switzerland (work-related travel benefits) and her initial shock at encountering racism and exclusion.
Reflects on developing resilience and strategies to overcome systemic barriers while navigating Swiss society as a young African woman.

4. Becoming a Firefighter: Breaking Gender Norms (00:07:06 – 00:10:58)

Zeedah recounts volunteering as a firefighter in a rural Swiss community, becoming the only Black woman in the brigade.
Describes adapting to male-dominated spaces, dealing with sexism, and overcoming physical challenges posed by uniforms designed for men.
Highlights symbolic victories, such as advocating for female-friendly facilities like toilets in traditionally male environments.

5. Establishing a Women’s Resource Centre (00:13:26 – 00:15:51)

Zeedah discusses founding a resource center for Black women, emphasizing inclusivity by involving sex workers, illegal migrants, and marginalized groups.
Reflects on resistance from some peers who felt the group was becoming too political or inclusive, underscoring lessons about diversity within activism.

6. Advocacy for African Women’s Rights in Switzerland (00:17:10 – 00:19:22)

Zeedah explains how restrictive visa policies forced many African women into sex work in Switzerland during the 1980s.
Details her involvement in changing discriminatory immigration laws, enabling women to gain autonomy through independent visas rather than dependence on marriage or exploitative jobs.

7. Entering Swiss Politics (00:20:22 – 00:22:51)

Zeedah reflects on being the first Black woman to join a Swiss political party, making her visibility a powerful statement against racial and gender biases.
Discusses balancing personal sacrifices with professional activism and opening doors for future generations of minority leaders.

8. Challenges in Feminist Leadership (00:23:14 – 00:25:55)

Zeedah shares insights on managing differences among African and Black women activists, learning that homogeneity cannot be assumed even within shared identities.
Emphasises the importance of creating supportive networks of close friends and allies to sustain feminist leadership journeys.

9. Personal Struggles and Motherhood (00:26:09 – 00:28:44)

Marriage to a Swiss man and navigating racial and gendered power dynamics.
Raising mixed-race daughters in an environment of racial prejudice.
Teaching them resilience and zero tolerance for racism.

10. Final Leadership Lessons and Reflections (00:28:52 – 00:30:55)

Zeedah summarises key takeaways from her journey:
- Educating women and providing them resources is transformative.
- Practicing self-care without guilt is essential for sustainability.
- Supporting other women, even those with differing views, strengthens collective progress.
- Financial investment in women’s initiatives is crucial for realising their potential.

Download the full transcript here