Breaking the silence with Niet Mijn Keuze

From the very start, it became clear why an educational institution must make space for themes like these. Willem van Nieuwkerk (Social Safety and Inclusion) opened the event: “You are aware that these kinds of nightmares exist, but you only truly realize it when you read such a story from beginning to end.”

The impact of silence

Drawing from her personal experiences, Hameeda Lakho (bestselling author and keynote speaker) guided visitors through the long‑lasting impact that forced marriage can have on families across generations. She spoke candidly about violence, silence, and the damage caused when children grow up in an environment of fear and secrecy. Hameeda stated: “Lying to children about their parents causes lifelong harm and is a form of abuse.” At the same time, she emphasized the importance of recognition and breaking the silence: “You break the cycle through acknowledgment, support, and the courage to tell your own story.”

From awareness to action

In addition to personal stories, the opening also focused on responsibility and recognizing warning signs. Diny Flierman from the National Knowledge Hub on Forced Marriage and Abandonment (LKHA) stressed that students, lecturers, and future professionals should know what to do when they are concerned about someone. “Seek advice from an expert and of course you can do that through us”, she emphasized. According to Diny, the exhibition helps bring a topic that often remains hidden closer to people: “You can read about it, look at it, and talk about it. That lowers the threshold for seeking help.”

The role of education

The opening made clear that forced marriage and abandonment are not distant, abstract issues, but social problems that also require attention within education. For programmes such as Social Work and Pedagogy, it is essential that students learn to recognize signals, listen, and take action when safety is at risk. Willem draws the connection: “As a university of applied sciences, we want to be a place where there is attention for topics like these. That starts, among other things, right here.”

More information

If you encounter unwanted or inappropriate behavior within or outside THUAS, know that help is available. Speak up about it. Not sure where to start? Take a look at the Social Safety, Diversity, and Inclusion introduction page.