Navigating Dual Identities: Building Belonging Across Cultural Borders
Mina Sharif explores the complexities of dual identity, the challenges and enrichment of belonging across cultures, and the profound impact of storytelling and compassion in fostering genuine connection and understanding.
In this compelling episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne Lockwood is joined by Mina Sharif for a nuanced exploration of belonging across borders. Together, they unravel the complex realities faced by those living between cultures, particularly refugees and the forcibly displaced. Drawing from Mina’s experiences growing up in Canada after fleeing Afghanistan, returning as an adult, and later re-settling, the conversation reveals how identity is continually shaped by displacement, heritage, and the dualities of life in exile. From discussions of trauma and resilience to the pitfalls of saviourism and media bias, the episode illuminates the deep sense of loss and adaptation experienced by newcomers, as well as the critical need for authentic inclusion and compassion within host communities.
Mina is a writer, media producer, and passionate advocate for cross-cultural understanding through storytelling and empowerment. Raised in Toronto after being exiled from Afghanistan, she returned in 2005 and spent over a decade building educational media projects, including children’s programming such as Afghanistan’s Sesame Street. Now back in Canada, Mina channels her insights into workshops and narrative work, amplifying marginalised voices and highlighting the importance of recognising trauma, healing, and the unique complexities faced by those caught between worlds. Her approach foregrounds empathy, humanises displaced people beyond media stereotypes, and urges hosts and newcomers alike to connect authentically, resist broad categorisations, and embrace the strength found in multifaceted identities.
Mina and Joanne discuss the crucial roles of dignity, curiosity and individual storytelling in nurturing belonging. They challenge assumptions, explore the intersections of Afghan and Canadian identity, and unpack how societies can better accommodate, support, and learn from those recovering from loss and upheaval. The conversation leaves listeners with a powerful reminder: inclusion thrives when we ask thoughtful questions, approach each other without preconceptions, and create space for people to tell their personal stories.
A key takeaway from this episode is the value of seeing displaced individuals as whole people—carrying loss, capability, and culture—with agency and humanity, rather than simply through the lens of victimhood or charity. By listening deeply, fostering empathy, and prioritising genuine human connection, we can collaboratively build spaces where everyone has a chance not only to belong, but to thrive.
Published: 14.08.2025 Recorded: 20.03.2025 Duration: 1:00:17 **Shownotes:*** **AI Extracts and Interpretations**
Clips and TimestampsMedia Bias and Perception of Afghanistan: “But that’s the media Bias I have. That’s the pictures I see all the time.”
— Mina Sharif [00:08:35 → 00:08:39]
The Immigrant Experience: “To suddenly find yourself transported effectively the other side of the world, where your, Your. Your language is not understood, you don’t understand the other language. Maybe, maybe you’ve got some understanding of English or French, whichever part of Canada you’re in, but it’s not inherently part of your first language. Also, you’ve probably left behind a career, a profession. You could be a doctor, a lawyer, a plumber. You could have a business that you’ve left behind. And suddenly you’ve come into a country with effectively nothing.”
— Mina Sharif [00:25:13 → 00:25:46]
Identity and Belonging: “Whilst I’ve always felt that I was never a native, I’ve always been a native, if that makes sense. I’ve always had this identity of being born elsewhere.”
— Mina Sharif [00:31:12 → 00:31:21]
The Pitfalls of ‘Nice’ Intentions in Charity Work: But people are often scared of getting things wrong that they know they don’t know and they’re worried about their conversation and putting their foot in it. So they say what they think is a nice thing. But the nice thing is actually more patronising by trying to be helpful.
— Mina Sharif [00:39:54 → 00:40:08]
Viral Topic: Challenging Assumptions about Intelligence
“You’re talking about people here who are very capable, very intelligent, professional, academically gifted people who are.”
— Mina Sharif [00:42:12 → 00:42:19]
Viral Topic: Hidden Skills of the Displaced: “There were doctors, there were nurses, they were very good roles. And now they’re doing cleaning jobs. And now they’re doing this because people only see that side of them.”
— Mina Sharif [00:42:44 → 00:42:53]
The Pressure of Representation: “Whatever comes out of my mouth, I’ve got to try and find this middle ground of appeasement for as many people as possible. Yet, speak my truth. It’s a real burden.”
— Mina Sharif [00:47:17 → 00:47:26]
Viral Topic: Navigating Multiple Identities in a World of Labels: “Being Canadian and being Afghani are not conflicting. They’re just different parts of your life, different layers of your life, different different experiences, connections you’ve made.”
— Mina Sharif [00:49:16 → 00:49:25]
Human Bias and Tribalism: “Because we’re always us and they are always them. And no matter which side of the fence you’re on, you always have an us and a them.”
— Mina Sharif [00:53:19 → 00:53:26]
Letting Go of the Zero Sum Mindset: “We keep holding onto that prisoner of belief, don’t we? We’re going to try and let go of that and say, actually it doesn’t matter, I’ve got enough, I’ve got sufficient. This person needs more help.”
— Mina Sharif [00:55:58 → 00:56:07]
Definition of Terms UsedWhat is the Afghan Diaspora?* Definition: The Afghan diaspora refers to individuals and communities of Afghan origin who live outside Afghanistan, often as a result of conflict, instability, or forced migration. * Relevance: The episode discusses the experience of displacement, adaptation, and dual-identities many Afghans face after resettling in countries like Canada and the UK, shaping their sense of belonging and cultural retention. * Examples: Afghan families who fled the country during conflict and now live in Canada, maintaining cultural traditions while adapting to their new environment. * Related Terms: Exile, Refugee, Migration, Transnationalism, Multiculturalism * Common Misconceptions: Some may think the diaspora represents a homogenous community or that all Afghans abroad wish to fully assimilate; in reality, experiences and degrees of cultural retention vary significantly.
What is Mosaic Multiculturalism?* Definition: Mosaic multiculturalism is a policy and social philosophy that encourages the retention of distinct cultural identities within a society, with each group forming a unique piece of the broader national identity, as opposed to blending into a “melting pot”. * Relevance: Canada describes itself as a mosaic rather than a melting pot, supporting policies and attitudes aimed at preserving minority cultures rather than promoting forced assimilation, as discussed in the episode. * Examples: Public celebrations of diverse cultural holidays, or the Prime Minister recognising non-Christian festivals; Afghan newcomers establishing community centres and maintaining cultural practices in Toronto. * Related Terms: Melting Pot, Integration, Pluralism, Assimilation * Common Misconceptions: Some assume mosaic multiculturalism leads to segregation or lack of unity, but it is intended to foster a sense of belonging and mutual respect among diverse groups within a shared national framework.
What is Exile Identity?* Definition: An exile identity refers to the psychological and social state of individuals who have been forcibly removed from their homeland, often grappling with a complex relationship to both their origin and host societies. * Relevance: Mina Sharif discusses feeling “between worlds”, experiencing neither a full connection to Afghan traditions nor to Canadian mainstream culture, which directly shapes her worldview and activism. * Examples: Second generation Afghans in Canada who feel a connection with Afghanistan through stories and headlines, but also develop new identities in their host country. * Related Terms: Biculturalism, Diaspora, Refugee, Cultural Hybridity * Common Misconceptions: Exile identity is sometimes misunderstood as simply lacking belonging; in Mina’s description, it can become a “superpower” of bridging cultures, rather than a permanent deficit.
What are Decrees (in the context of restrictive regimes)?* Definition: Decrees are official orders or proclamations issued by a governing authority, which often carry the force of law, especially under authoritarian or theocratic regimes. * Relevance: The episode describes Taliban decrees restricting women’s rights, such as banning women from schools, parks, workplaces, or radio, which have profound impacts on daily life and societal structure in Afghanistan. * Examples: Recent announcements in Afghanistan that women must not be present on radio or television, or are not permitted to attend schools or parks. * Related Terms: Edict, Legislation, Authoritarianism, Gender Segregation * Common Misconceptions: There is a tendency to conflate societal norms with legal decrees; Mina points out these decrees are imposed by occupying or ruling authorities, and do not necessarily reflect the values of the Afghan populace.
What is a Grassroots Approach (to inclusion and cultural connection)?* Definition: A grassroots approach involves building change from the bottom up, focusing on direct engagement, local action, and real-life interactions rather than solely relying on policy or elite-level initiatives. * Relevance: Mina Sharif emphasises the importance of everyday efforts—mutual curiosity, individual connection, and storytelling—in fostering understanding and inclusion far beyond top-down policy statements or symbolic gestures. * Examples: Community conversations between new Afghan immigrants and Canadian neighbours, local workshops on cultural awareness, or sharing personal stories via social media to counter stereotypes. * Related Terms: Community Engagement, Bottom-Up Change, Allyship, Micro-level Inclusion * Common Misconceptions: Some may presume grassroots initiatives lack impact or are less significant than government action; in reality, such efforts drive true cultural change and bridge-building at scale over time.
FAQ: Specialist Terms from “Belonging Across Borders” Episode What is the Afghan Diaspora?
The community of Afghans and their descendants living outside Afghanistan, commonly resulting from forced migration, who navigate cultural retention and adaptation in new countries.
* What is Mosaic Multiculturalism?
A policy and social outlook fostering the coexistence of diverse cultural identities within a nation, each maintaining distinctive traditions, as characteristically practised in Canada.
* What is Exile Identity?
The sense of self and belonging shaped by the experience of displacement and living between the originating culture and the new host country, often resulting in complex or hybrid identities.
* What are Decrees (in restrictive regimes)?
Authoritative orders issued by those in power (e.g., Taliban), especially prohibiting or mandating social behaviours, such as banning women from work or education in Afghanistan.
* What is a Grassroots Approach (to inclusion and cultural connection)?*
A bottom-up method of building understanding and change through local engagement, personal interaction, and community-driven initiatives, as opposed to relying only on high-level policy.
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| | Joanne Lockwood SEE Change Happen | |
A huge thank you to our wonderful guest
| | Mina Sharif Compassion First | |
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