Empowering Girls: Lessons from My Mother's Bravery

Growing up, I always knew that every girl needs a role model. Either you have one, or you become one. It's a powerful statement that rings true to this day.

When I was in the 7th grade, I received a marriage proposal. Yes, you read that right. At such a young age, I was already being pushed into a life of submission and servitude. My father's family had forced my mother to accept it because they believed it was the best thing for us. But my mother was my hero. She saw the danger in this and bravely said "NO." It was then that I realized the power of saying "No" and that people can accept it or not.

Nowadays, we can buy anything for our girls, but there are still things that can't be bought. These are the things that parents should focus on when raising their daughters.

Lessons from My Mother

Teach Your Daughter to Have an Opinion

First and foremost, teach your daughters to have an opinion. It's important that they know their thoughts and ideas matter. Encourage them to speak their mind and listen to them with an open mind. This will help them develop their critical thinking skills and confidence in their own abilities.

Make Your Daughter Emotionally Strong

Next, make sure your daughters are emotionally strong. Girls face so many challenges in life, and they need to be able to handle them with grace and resilience. Encourage them to express their emotions and let them know that it's okay to feel vulnerable. This will help them build resilience and cope with difficult situations.

Teach Your Daughter How to Make Money

Teach your daughters how to make money. Financial independence is crucial for girls. They need to know how to manage their money, budget, and save from a young age. This will help them develop good financial habits and give them the confidence to handle their finances independently in the future.

Show Your Daughter That Jealousy is Useless

Show your daughters that jealousy is useless. It's important that they celebrate the success of others and be happy for them. This will help them develop a positive outlook on life and build healthy relationships.

Allow Your Daughter to Decide for Herself

Make sure your daughters can decide for themselves. They need to have the freedom to make their own decisions. Help them develop decision-making skills by giving them age-appropriate responsibilities and allowing them to make choices. This will help them become more independent and confident in their decision-making abilities.

Allow Your Daughter to Pursue Her Passions

Lastly, allow your daughters to grow up with their own vision. Every girl is unique, and it's important to let them pursue their own interests and passions. Encourage them to explore different things and support them in their endeavors. This will help them develop a strong sense of self and find their own path in life.

I owe everything to my mother who saved me from child marriage. She refused to give in to societal pressures and stood up for what was right. She taught me the power of saying "No," and for that, I will forever be grateful.

This International Women's Day, let's celebrate the women who have inspired us and be the role models for the next generation of girls. You have the power to be your daughter's hero. Teach her to be strong, confident, and independent. Show her that she can achieve anything she sets her mind to.