Moroccan-Dutch entrepreneur helps workers overcome language barriers in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, Nadira Ettahiri has set up businesses to help employees and job seekers held back by language barriers. After more than twenty years in business, the Dutch-Moroccan businesswoman is one of five finalists for an award recognizing women entrepreneurs with international reach.
An employee on sick leave who struggles to understand their employer’s procedures. A qualified job seeker who finds it difficult to explain their skills in Dutch. For Nadira Ettahiri, these situations point to a problem: workers can be left out of the job market despite their qualifications.
This entrepreneur of Moroccan origin decided to make addressing this her profession. In 2003, she embarked on a journey that would lead to the creation of ABTRO, a company specializing in helping people whose first language is not Dutch return to work.
Her team supports employees and job seekers with their job searches, administrative procedures and return to work. Advisers provide services in Arabic, Berber, Turkish, Polish and French, among other languages. The aim is to help candidates have their skills recognized despite language barriers.
Nadira Ettahiri later developed AVA, an occupational health service for multilingual employees. The company supports people on sick leave, among others, and facilitates communication with employers to prepare them to return to work.
Twenty-three years in business and international recognition
These two businesses have made Nadira Ettahiri a prominent figure in multicultural entrepreneurship in the Netherlands. “I like Dutch pragmatism and Moroccan culture,” she said in an interview published by ABTRO. She sees her dual identity as an asset in bringing companies and their employees closer together.
Her work has already been recognized in London with a WinTrade Global Award. Another accolade could follow on November 25.
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) has confirmed that she is among the five finalists for the Women Beyond Borders Award, organized with Business Women Nederland.
The competition recognizes women entrepreneurs who expand their businesses across borders and create new opportunities. The winner will be selected by an independent jury, with public participation.
The ceremony will take place on November 25 in Utrecht, where Nadira Ettahiri will seek another award, twenty-three years after starting her entrepreneurial journey.
