Esmah Lahlah

Biography

"Everyone deserves dignity"

I grew up in a poor part of Helmond and was raised by two parents who never got the chance to live up to their academic potential. Therefore, they consistently stressed the importance of education to their three daughters.

Independent councillor

After graduating from secondary school, I studied developmental psychology in Tilburg. In 2018, I was asked to be an independent alderman for the local municipality, which saw me work on livelihoods, poverty and labour market participation. I discovered how poverty breeds misery and that the distrustful way the municipality dealt with its citizens only held people back. Everyone deserves dignity.

Inclusive society

There is a lot you can achieve on a local scale, but at some point you will run into hurdles. To make a real difference, you have to tackle problems at the source. That's why I made the move to The Hague. I found my political home with GroenLinks-PvdA, a party that prioritises livelihoods and climate. I want to contribute to a more inclusive society for everyone, regardless of their talents or vulnerabilities.

Marathons

Running is one of my hobbies. I have already run the Rotterdam, Paris and New York marathons, but it will take some thorough training before I manage to crack the four-hour mark. I love listening to all kinds of music, like jazz and pop, but I will always have a soft spot for Dutch music and the memories it brings back. My grandmother in Helmond would always call the pirate station to request a record, and I am always reminded of that time when I listen to Dutch music.