The Woman Who raised Me: Breaking Barriers and Defying Expectations

They said investing in girls education was a waste. But my mother always knew better

As I sit down to write this, I'm filled with a mix emotions- pride, love, and gratitude. I recently watched a video on the intranet of a woman crying because she has 6 daughters and her in-laws are making her life miserable. I am inspired to share my mum story because there might be a woman out there who needs an encouragement.

My mum was born into a society and culture where having only daughters was seen as a problem but she defied expectations and proved daughters are blessings.

Having 3 daughters in a row was seen as back luck. They told her to keep trying for a son. The worst happened when she had hysterectomy due to fibriod. Alot was said but she never let those negative comments define her instead she grew into a strong and determined woman who valued intelligence and education above all.

Despite not having opportunity to attend university, my mum admired brilliance in others and raised her daughters to pursue their dreams. She named me "gift" in my native language because she believed daughters are gifts.

She once said to me " I am ready to spend as much money as you want on your studies because I want you to be capable of leading your own life. I want you to stand on your own feet and be independent"

Those words have been my strength in difficult days. Today,here I am with a degree, advocating for women Empowerment. I have the privilege of learning from her kindness and watch her work tirelessly to support her family and other women in the community.She taught to pour into the world without expecting.My sister is a nurse and the other one a teacher.

They mocked her for not having a son and wasting family resources to educate her daughters.Today's she has 5 grandsons and 3 in-laws who loves and respect her like their own mother. All her daughters educated and living the life she dreamt off.

As I look around, I see many women's facing similar challenges: fibroid, infertility and societal expectations. My mum story is a reminder that you are not alone. We can be strong resilient and capable breaking barriers and defying expectations.

To every woman facing challenge similar to this, don't give up even when the road seems uncertain. Keep pushing forward and know that you are part of a community of women who are supporting and uplifting each other.

To my mum, I say thank you for keeping faith. Thank you for being my rock, my inspiration and my guiding light. I am proud to call your my mom and hope you will always be proud of your daughter's everyday.

There is immense need to educate your child irrespective of the gender. Educating the girl child empowers her to fulfil her dreams and gives her access to opportunities.

Don't forget to lend your voice against injustice happening to women in your Community.