"If they can dream it, they can do it."
-Humera Ali
Author: Stuti Ajmera
August 2021
My battle began with my father's mindset. He was not interested in my education. He saw no point in wasting money on education for a woman who will eventually marry and be a homemaker. For a long time, my mother and I had to conceal the funds we had set aside for my education.
My mother was my staunchest advocate. She wanted me to fly high and not be held back by anyone, not even my father. I became motivated and even began earning money on the side. It wasn't much, but it was a start. We no longer rely on my father to fund my education. I am currently in my third year of a B.Sc. in Biotechnology, and I have dedicated this year entirely to my studies.
My ambition is to make my mother proud. I want to show my father that marriage is not my destiny and that I can be self-sufficient and caring for my family. Once I am financially independent, I hope to invest some of my earnings towards young Muslim girls to encourage them to continue their education and remind them that if they can dream it, they can do it.