From the hills of rural Halimentel to becoming a two-term Councilor: The Inspiring Journey of Melete Kuflom

From the hills of rural Halimentel to becoming a two-term Councilor: The Inspiring Journey of Melete Kuflom

The global diaspora represents a vast reservoir of ambition and resilience. Quite substantial members of these communities take full advantage of their stay in host countries, excelling as professionals and establishing successful business enterprises. However, a curious phenomenon persists: the majority of the diaspora usually stays aloof from the politics of the host country. This is often not a smart strategy. It is to their distinct advantage to be part of a wider political network, as understanding and engaging with the system helps them navigate it effectively. Such engagement allows them to raise a political agenda that can directly improve the lives of their communities and even create channels for their countries of origin to benefit from strengthened bilateral ties. But although integration is a common achievement, ascending to the highest level of civic engagement—political office—is a rare feat. Melete Kiflom stands as a testament to this achievement. A woman of Eritrean origin, she was recently re-elected to the Municipal Council of the City of Geneva for the 2025-2030 term, building on the mandate she first earned between 2020-2025.

Melete placed intercultural mediation at the heart of her campaign. She emphasized building bridges between communities and institutions to make Geneva a more just and inclusive city, ensuring it remains a model of solidarity and harmony. As an elected official, she pledged to integrate more people from immigrant backgrounds into decision-making bodies and strengthen the link between politics and Geneva's diverse citizens.

Melete’s story is rooted in humble origins. Born in Halimentel (in the vicinity of Keren), she migrated to Switzerland in her teens, a forced departure due to the ongoing war in her home country, Eritrea. Like many refugees, she arrived in Geneva seeking safety and stability. She settled, studied assiduously, and built a career as a laboratory technician, embracing the opportunities her new home offered. Her educational pedigree includes Federal Certificate of Capacity, Laboratory Technician in Biology, and a Master's in Psychology from the University of Geneva. Beyond her professional life, she successfully raised two children (Elias and Isaac), instilling in them the values of education and hard work. Her efforts bore exceptional fruit: one child became a lawyer for a prestigious law firm, and the other an economist working as a financial markets specialist, both residing in Geneva. They give high credit to their mother for supporting them and fostering the environment that allowed them to thrive.

Melete’s commitment to her community extended far beyond her own family. Recognizing the struggles faced by newly arrived Eritrean refugees, she co-founded a non-governmental organization (NGO) to support them in 2010. Her NGO, The Association of Intercultural Mediators (AMIC), employs a dual approach to support refugees. First, intercultural mediation breaks down linguistic and cultural barriers to foster mutual understanding and strengthen communication between refugees, institutions, and the host society. Second, community psychology provides safe spaces for dialogue, addresses the invisible wounds of exile, and builds collective resilience. This combined model empowers refugees, recognizing them not as passive beneficiaries, but as active agents of change. AMIC focuses specifically on women, unaccompanied minors, and parents with children. It was this deep-seated community work that naturally led her to politics. Believing that systemic change required a seat at the table, she decided to contest for a position on the highly prestigious Municipal Council of the City of Geneva. The competition was tough, with numerous contestants vying for the influential role. Embodying the resilience that defined her life, she fought hard and her subsequent success marked a historic achievement; she was elected by her constituency for a two-five-year term of office.

To be where she is now is a big deal. The Municipal Council of the City of Geneva, like similar legislative bodies in the developed world, has a mandate to debate a wide range of local issues, from housing and education to public services and integration policies, and to pass resolutions and laws that shape the daily lives of Genevans. For a foreign-born woman to hold such a position is a testament to her personal tenacity and a sign of progress for the city. She is one of the very few foreigners who have made it to this level, making her a role model not only to the Eritrean community in Geneva but to the entire Eritrean diaspora scattered across the world.

In conclusion, Melete’s journey from a refugee teenager to an elected official to the Municipal Council of the City of Geneva is more than an individual success story; it is a clarion call. It demonstrates that true integration involves not just economic participation but active civic and political engagement. By rising to the challenges and succeeding in changing her life to become an active leader in her community, she has blazed a trail for others to follow. Her story proves that participating in the political fabric of a host country is not an abandonment of one’s origins, but rather a powerful strategy to uplift them, ensuring that the diaspora has a voice and a champion where it matters most.

Melete’s journey from a war-torn childhood to a prestigious seat in one of the world’s most important cities is a powerful narrative of perseverance and community leadership.

Let us, young Eritreans in particular, all learn from Melete.

Hats off, my sister! I salute you and your successes.