Madurai, TAMIL NADU / Alice Springs (Arrernte, Northern Territory), AUSTRALIA:

Growing up in Madurai in South India, Seeni Mohammed had always aspired to call Australia home.

“Australia looks after me really well … and I’m happy here with my family and wife, and good culture. And everyone is welcoming,” he said.

Mr Mohammed, 27, believes that “everything is awesome” now that he has obtained his citizenship.

His wife Shameina Ebrahim, 28, has a firsthand understanding of how significant the transition is for her husband.

“Citizenship might not seem a huge deal for some people but living in that position … as a family, and witnessing the struggle, I can personally say we’re so happy and proud of this moment,” she said.

Ms Ebrahim was born in Darwin to a migrant family from Southern India.

In 2018, the pair met through a mutual friend, and married the year after.

As a married couple, Ms Ebrahim has revisited some of the challenges that her own family experienced in navigating the shift to Australian life.

“I’ve always been grateful for my parents making that hard choice and leaving their friends and family to get a better life for their kids,” she said.

“So seeing that growing up and also then going through it with my partner as well … it’s insightful.

“But you know, at the same time, it is rewarding because it keeps me humble.”

Making the transition

After marrying in 2019 at a wedding in India attended by over 1,000 people, the couple have prioritised respect and commitment in navigating married life.

Mr Mohammed has appreciated how a shift in values between India and Australia has shaped their relationship.

“Here everyone is equal, everyone has to have the same rights, everyone has the same part in everything. So that’s quite different,” he said.”Give value for men’s and women’s [rights], give respect to them. And give the words value so the life will be smooth.”

For Ms Ebrahim, the transition hasn’t been without its “struggles”.

“Every life has its challenges, whether it be adapting to a new lifestyle, or transitioning from single life to being married … it really depends who you’re doing it with, your personalities need to be compatible,” she said.

“I can’t say that it was easy … we argue all the time, we’re not perfect or anything, but in that we’ve just learned to be supportive of each other.

“In sickness or in health, he’s kept his vows.”

Moving to the red centre

After living in Melbourne together for three years, the couple made the switch to Alice Springs when an exciting career opportunity emerged for Ms Ebrahim to work at the Central Australian Women’s Legal Service.

With the majority of Ms Ebrahim’s cases focusing on domestic violence, family law and housing insecurity, the young lawyer describes her daily life as “chaotic”.

At the same time, she has relished the opportunity to connect with the community.

Ms Ebrahim’s commitment to women’s rights has been reaffirmed by her positive experiences as a Muslim in Australia.

Growing up in Darwin, Ms Ebrahim started wearing a headscarf when she was 16 and has welcomed the response.

“I haven’t faced that much backlash in the community,” she said.

“I’ve been accepted and as a legal professional, I’m always out and about. I might be the odd one out, but you know, everyone’s been so loving and accepting.”

The inclusive and welcoming approach she experienced has extended to the couple’s time in Alice Springs.

“The community really supports you here,” Mr Mohammed said.

“It doesn’t matter about their background, or what ethnicity they’re from — they’re really supportive people, lovely people here.”

A future in Alice Springs

With Mr Mohammed’s goal of citizenship complete, they are now considering starting a family of their own on Arrernte country.

“We have fallen in love with Alice Springs,” Ms Ebrahim said.

“We came for better weather … and after falling in love with the town, we do see a future here and potentially raising a family as well as developing our own careers.

Regardless of how long the couple stay in the Northern Territory, Ms Ebrahim is excited to continue building a future with a man who she loves “wholeheartedly”.

For Mr Mohammed, the feeling is very much mutual.

“I love her so much,” he said.

“I should say thanks to the god.”

source: http://www.abc.net.au / ABC News / Home> ABC Alice Springs / by Evan Wallace / March 25th, 2023