From family pressures to societal norms, the captivating narratives of girls who defy the odds and challenge the status quo, proving that every dream is worth pursuing
By: Ulfat Khanday
A girl is an exquisite gift bestowed upon us by the divine. Deprived of her presence, the very essence of existence becomes inconceivable. She stands as the bedrock of humanity, adorning a multitude of roles: a daughter, a sister, a wife, and more. In each of these roles, her significance remains paramount. The Resilience of Girls in Today’s Society
Nevertheless, the contemporary landscape finds girls grappling with an overwhelming sense of despondency. In this age of unfettered freedom, they find themselves ensnared in a labyrinthine web of complexities.
On one front, they yearn to chart their destinies according to their own aspirations, while on the other, myriad impediments, which we shall delve into shortly, hinder the pursuit of their dreams and the exercise of their freedom. A girl is not a mere entity; she is a repository of emotions, an entity yearning to actualize her innermost desires. To subject her to arbitrary rules dictated by external forces is an exercise in futility. Why must girls bear the brunt of societal scrutiny and prejudice?
Firstly, we must confront the issue of familial pressures. Families often constrain girls with a multitude of restrictions, a selective endorsement of certain activities, while frowning upon the majority. Elder brothers, in particular, enforce a set of rules upon their sisters, rules they themselves seldom adhere to. This stifles the voices of girls, denying them the autonomy to live life on their own terms.
Secondly, we must turn our gaze toward the conservative underpinnings of our society. Regrettably, girls are still not accorded equitable treatment compared to their male counterparts. Deep-seated prejudices have instilled the belief that girls are somehow inferior to boys. In consequence, girls are denied opportunities commensurate with their abilities.
Religion, as the third factor, plays a role in perpetuating these inequalities. Over time, religious doctrines have been contorted and misinterpreted to such an extent that many religions, barring a few exceptions, castigate girls as the source of evil and shame. If a girl is permitted to exist, she is often compelled to obey the edicts of her purported masters.
The fourth concern lies within our educational system. While it vociferously asserts the equality of girls and boys, practical realities belie this rhetoric. Prejudice and misogyny continue to permeate our textbooks. Some publications vilify girls, branding them as impure, while in other instances, they are dehumanized to a point where their humanity is scarcely recognizable. Boys are cautioned to maintain distance from girls, and vice versa. Girls are admonished to be assertive, yet when they express their thoughts and emotions, they are often disregarded, ridiculed, or subjected to harsh reprisals.
To harness the dormant potential within girls, we must afford them opportunities and seek to understand their aspirations. Their genuine desires should be given due consideration. An environment fostering understanding must be cultivated, wherein minor issues do not escalate into major conflicts. Families, in particular, must endeavour to comprehend their girls better. Mothers play a pivotal role in this endeavour, understanding their daughters and granting them as much freedom as possible.
Last but certainly not least, teenagers require heightened attention. They yearn for understanding and the fulfilment of their legitimate demands. Instead of imposing mandates upon them, we must strive to meet their authentic needs. A compassionate space in our hearts for them can work wonders. In conclusion, it is imperative to recognize that girls, too, are emotional beings with desires and aspirations that deserve fulfilment. The suppression of these desires can culminate in detrimental consequences for all involved.
Blurb
On one front, they yearn to chart their destinies according to their own aspirations, while on the other, myriad impediments, which we shall delve into shortly, hinder the pursuit of their dreams and the exercise of their freedom.
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