Resilience Against Oppression

In a world where cultural and religious influences can shape or restrict individual freedoms, my journey illustrates the power of resilience in the face of adversity. I come from a country governed by Islamic rule, where the tyranny of extremists and fundamentalists prevails. Ironically, I am not a follower of Islam. Living in a place where a girl must navigate her environment with extreme caution at every turn has presented significant challenges. My parents are religious leaders, as am I, which further complicates our situation in a society where 98% of the population adheres to the same faith.

In my country, non-Muslim girls face severe societal stigma. It is a place where even an 18-year-old or a 4-year-old girl can be kidnapped and forced into marriage with much older men. Horrifically, incidents of gang rape and murder, followed by disposals in trash, are not uncommon in non- Muslim minor girls. This is the harsh reality I grew up in. Despite these dangers, my parents were determined to raise their daughters to be strong, assertive individuals, akin to lionesses, so that we would not allow anyone to dishonor us or diminish our dignity. They understood the societal challenges we faced, and they equipped us with the courage to fight against norms that demeaned and devalued girls and women. Yet, living in a majority that shared their beliefs often made it difficult for me to assert my identity without facing backlash.

Throughout my academic journey, I encountered prejudices that painted me as an outsider. Though there have been numerous traumatic experiences that have impacted my family and me, I'll share just one.

I hold an MBA, but as an introvert, I often struggle to initiate conversations. When I first started attending university, I kept to myself—attending classes without reaching out to anyone. My quiet demeanor led others to incorrectly label me as having a bad attitude or being full of myself, rendering me an easy target for cruel jokes and comments.They believed I was arrogant, and I overheard students making unkind remarks and sexist comments about me. Despite this, I chose to stay quiet and ignore the hurtful behavior, as my upbringing made me resilient enough not to let their words affect me.

The confrontation with the boy in my class marked a pivotal moment in my journey. It was a moment that forced me to confront not only my own fears but also the pervasive misogyny entrenched in our society. His rage—rooted in a belief that my very presence was a challenge to his authority and the community’s norms—crystallized the reality faced by many women: being subjected to violence or harassment for simply being who they are. That brutal encounter, coupled with the insidious stigma faced by non-Muslim women, illustrated the need for vocal resistance against such indignities. During the month on Ramadan when I took a sip of water, some boys began to make lewd comments, escalating to shouting at me. Confused by their hostility, I was soon reminded by female classmates that my drinking water was offensive to those who were fasting. This angered them, culminating in one boy yelling at me. I refused to let anyone shout at me, and at that moment, I confronted him. In response, he attempted to physically intimidate me in front of the entire class. Thankfully, someone intervened before he could lay a hand on me, but I could sense his rage. His words still echo in my mind: "A low caste, she is not only a non-Muslim, but she also has airs. How dare she. She should stay within her limits." That encounter shook me to my core. 

While I didn’t initially share the incident with my family as I didn't want to burden them, I slowly recognized the importance of breaking the silence around such experiences. Sharing our stories can empower not only ourselves but also others who may feel isolated in their struggles. Each narrative can serve as a beacon of hope, illuminating paths toward liberation and self-advocacy.

In time, I became more aware of the need for solidarity among women—whoever they may be. I understood that my experience was not merely about being a victim of prejudice; it was about fostering connections with others facing their own battles. Through conversations with fellow students, I began to share insights about our individual journeys, recognizing the shared struggles of women across cultural and religious backgrounds. This exchange of experiences cultivated a sense of community, empowering us to stand together against the oppressive structures that sought to divide us.

My journey has taught me that resilience is not just about enduring hardship; it's about harnessing that experience to fuel a desire for change. My identity—shaped by strength, challenges, and a commitment to advocating for the dignity of all women—has become my greatest asset. Through education and awareness, I aim to inspire others to confront injustice head-on and to foster an environment where everyone can voice their truths without fear.

While I continue to navigate the complexities of my environment, I hold onto the belief that individual resilience can spark collective change. It is through courage and solidarity that we can forge a future where respect and dignity prevail over oppression and prejudice. Each step, each voice, and each story contributes to a tapestry of hope, woven from the struggles and triumphs of those who came before us and those who will follow.