OF ROLE MODELS!
by ayesha arif khan | September 21, 2010 at 12:08 PM
It was an ordinary Saturday morning in a girls government school in Lahore.
I was one of the volunteers from my University to teach English to these 8th grade students.
The scene remains clearly etched in my memory.
I had asked each one of them to stand up and introduce themselves.
Student: “I want to be a teacher but my father won’t allow me to go to college”
Me: “Why?”
Student : “He wants me to get married next year to my uncle’s son.”
I stare at this 13 year old kid lost for words who will be married at the grand old age of 14!
And I am supposed to teach her English?
This incident propelled my latent feminism to be transformed into raging activism in a mostly patriarchal, fundamentalist society.
Pakistan is a diverse and complex world comprising various sub cultures. Yet despite the differences one reality is shared - women are oppressed and exploited under the guise of religion ,tradition and mostly ignorance .
The revitalization of the broadcast media and the rapid advent of the digital age have been pivotal in promoting dialogue about women’s rights locally but we have a long way to go before there is real change.
Social media has been instrumental globally in lending a voice to all marginalized groups without censure or discrimination. The disadvantage is that singular fragmented voices can continue to be easily ignored and marginalized in this democratic cacophony.
Hence, the need for focused platforms where individual voices turn into a collective global movement.
Web 2.0 is one such forum, where women are free to raise their voice and be assured that they will be heard by like- minded, informed individuals to form a collective movement. Dialogue leads to acceptance which is the first step towards change. This sense of camaraderie and direction gives me hope and fuels my passion.
A global sense of unity and support is hugely empowering and affirming. For the first time, I don’t feel that I have to abridge my thoughts or be silent for fear of being judged. I feel I can talk about sexual abuse, physical insecurity and social isolation without feeling segregated by my feminine gaze.
On this platform, we are able to share deeply personal stories, concerns, and ideas with the assurance that they are being heard, understood and supported. This gives us courage and strength.
We learn the plights faced by women in different countries while celebrating women who have persevered and emerged victorious.
We exchange notes on the latest books or explore different forms of feminism.
We create films with collaborators or sometimes just dreams.
We discuss problems and explore solutions.
We share, learn and grow- TOGETHER.
Today I asked some of my female students about their thoughts on furthering the women's rights movement globally.
One young girl said to me “I think we need more role models”
I am sure she will find many here!
Comments
Inspiring
Amazing and totally inspiring! I am sure your student was talking about you!
Thanks for the post,
"I am only one, but still I am one."
Sincere and Touching
Hi Ayesha,
I am one of your Listeners for this week's assignment.
I find your writing very sincere and touching, especially your intention to help change the destiny of some of the underprivileged girls in your country through social media. Indeed this phenomena happens in many parts of the world and wonderful women like you can help out by providing them education, hope as well as inspiration. Don't give up on them!
Thank you so much for your
Thank you so much for your kind comments and am very very sorry for this late reply. Life has been very hectic:)
Aisha K
Hi Ayesha
I am in awe of your feminism! Thanks for sharing your voice with this awesome community. You are right in everything you say, and I am so proud of being part of this worldwide movement of women who want to help women in all ways possible, making it possible for them to find better lives, shaping better worlds, and tearing apart old cultural walls that have oppressed and still are oppressing us.
Go girl, write, write, write. We are listening.
Love,
Jackie
Jacqueline Patiño FundActiva
Tarija - Bolivia
South America
Cel. 591-77176780
Amazed
Hi!
My name is Lima and I am also one of your Listener's for this week's assignment!
I was utterly touched and amazed by your writing; both the content of your words, your voice/style and what you had to say. I feel as though there was a strong woman behind this work and I hope to hear more of her in the future. You are right, however, feel free to talk about whatever you want and need, you are always among friends here. Your personal story made your situation understandable and gave it a face, your student could be my sister, my friend, my cousin and helped me completely understand your predicament. Great work.
Together we will Rise
Dear Ayesha,
Together we will Rise up to help one another as our world heals. There is so much that some take for granted in our world. You are such an Inspiration Ayesha by speaking out to this platform and sharing your views. I am touched by your wisdom and courage. You are so very brave in what you do and for all that you stand for.
You are a Heroin in my eyes...Together we will Rise!!!
with love & light,
Lisa
"Don't be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold / your own myth...." -- Rumi
"Illuminating the Light of Peace..." --LAMB