13 the central tenet his book paralleled Pitkin’s symbolic representation and Saward’s emphasis on audience for a representative claim to be accepted. While working at WOMEN Inc., I came into contact with Chafina Ben Dahman, who helped me when I was in trouble and welcomed me as the first employee into her amazing Rose Stories. I often reflect on that time. Rose Stories’ mission was to represent underrepresented groups, such as Muslim women, in the media through children’s books, television, movies, and more. I will never forget the discussions I had with Chafina Ben Dahman, Nadia Zerouali, and Rachida el Moussaoui about representation. Without the ideas developed during those conversations, I might never have secured this PhD position in the first place. Additionally, Chafina introduced me to Astrid Sy, Houria el Moussaoui, Mimoun Oaïssa, Nadia Moussaid, Rahma el Mouden, Raja Felgata, Rhimou el Ahmadi, Saloua el Moussaoui, Soundos el Ahmadi, and Yousef Gnaoui. All of these amazing individuals have inspired the work that lies before you today, through their insights, experiences and the luck I had to have many long conversations with them about the representation of minorities. Before I began my PhD journey, there were more who warmly encouraged me and welcomed me into the program group. Wouter van der Brug brainstormed potential PhD positions with me, Maria Kranendonk discussed my research proposal, Natalie Welfens provided feedback on my application, and Ellis Aizenberg generously shared her experiences in a heartfelt conversation. Gijs Schumacher and Roderik Rekker not only encouraged me to pursue a PhD but also wrote glowing letters of recommendation. Marcel Maussen consistently believed in my potential, he protected me in the junior-lecturer jungle, he stressed me out about all the people who were passing me left and right, and he put in a good word when I needed it the most. He even entrusted me with the role of coordinator for the methodology thread, a position for which I initially felt underqualified, but which gave me just the confidence I needed to dare to apply for the PhD-position that I have now completed. In the early stages of my PhD journey, designing my survey experiment was my complete fixation, and I owe immense gratitude to those who provided invaluable feedback while I was “on tour” to gather feedback. Uğur Aytaç offered insights on Turkish names and taught me so much about Turkish politics; Ebe Ouatera provided feedback on French names. I also deeply appreciate the contributions of Laura Mulder, Gijs Schumacher, Bert Bakker, Mike Medeiros, Wouter van der Brug, Marcel Hanegraaff, Matthijs Rooduijn, and Maria Kranendonk. A special mention goes out to Catherine de Vries, who generously offered feedback over lunch, focusing on the expectations voters have of politicians, laying the basis for my first published article. Evelyn Ersanilli provided precise feedback on the mechanisms tested, while Sarah Kalaï, Aya Elyamany and Mo Akachar’s insightful conversations shaped the survey design and gave me confidence in its resonance with Muslim and Moroccan respondents. Additionally, I extend thanks to Uğur Aytaç, Manal Kartoubi, Mike Medeiros, Olga Sezneva, and Lana
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