Afros Swiss Spotlight - Mandy Abou Shoak

Our Afro Swiss series is an extension of our ongoing commitment to celebrating and amplifying vital representation for our multi-hyphenate children.

Mandy Abou Shoak is an activist, SP councillor, and social worker who has made significant contributions to antiracist, feminist, intersectional activism, and human rights initiatives. Her work in the public sphere and advocacy for women's rights and youth social pedagogy is truly commendable.

Mandy collaborated with Tine Milz to develop a transformative feminist project for teenagers, which was successfully brought to life at Theater Neumarkt in 2020. She also co-published brochures and toolkits titled "Insights: Racism in Teaching and Learning Materials" with Rahel El-Maawi. These publications have had a profound impact on the discourse surrounding racism in the Swiss education system.

In addition, Mandy founded the platform justthis.ch, a tool for raising awareness and campaigning against various forms of discrimination. Under the label "justhis," she launched the podcast "Wort.Macht.Widerstand," featuring conversations with activists who share their resistance practices, inspiring others to take action.

Mandy's dedication to combating racism is further evidenced by her development of a model for creating racism-sensitive schools in her Master's thesis. This work showcases her ability to bridge academia with practical solutions for fostering inclusive and equitable educational environments.

We wholeheartedly recognize and appreciate Mandy Abou Shoak's exceptional contributions and ongoing efforts. Her commitment to social justice and creating a more inclusive spaces is truly inspiring, making her a beacon of hope for others striving to make a positive impact.