Rants & Opinions

Growing up in an academic-oriented Pakistani household, education and hard work were the leading principles I was raised with. However, amidst the emphasis on academics, there was also subtle contradictory messaging as I grew up; while I was encouraged to excel, there was an underlying pressure to prioritize marriage and settling down over daring to dream big. Travel, socializing, being out of my comfort zone were all things I could do if I had a male partner to protect me (cue mega eye rolls).

Navigating through adulthood, I've come to understand the importance of carving out my career path and defining personal goals. However, it's disheartening to witness smart, accomplished women settling for less, compromising their careers or relationships for the sake of societal norms or familial expectations.

This realization has fueled my desire to create a space where we can reconcile desi culture with a feminist mindset, finding equilibrium between tradition and individual ambition. It's about empowering ourselves to break free from the constraints imposed by gender disparity, peer pressure, and societal expectations.

My journey isn't just about personal growth; it's about fostering a community where women can share their experiences, rant about the challenges they face, and celebrate their triumphs. It's about learning from each other how to dismantle learned behaviors that hold us back and embracing a future where we prioritize our own well-being and fulfillment. Together, we can rewrite the narrative and redefine what it means to be a desi woman in today's world.