"Close Your Eyes"

The doors of opportunity are waiting for you.

As a young child, I would always make flower chains and put it in my hair. My elderly neighbour warmly named me “bloemen meisje” or “flower girl”. She’d be very affectionate and would smile whenever I came by, complimenting me on my talent of creating long daisy chains. I’d then return home, making my family wear flower crowns or bracelets too.

It was at home that my father would encourage us to speak Pashto and wear our traditional clothing. He was very fond of our people and land, and I couldn’t really understand. I couldn’t understand how he was so strong in his roots, unapologetically wearing his pakol and pattoo outside for the world to see. He’d write poetry in his cursive mother tongue, and recite it whilst others listened to the beautiful rhymes in awe.

It was my father who encouraged me to pursue education, to open doors of opportunity. When I received my Mathematics degree, it was my father standing beside me, proud as ever.

So on this day dedicated to women, I’d like to give a special mention to the men who also make it happen. Who encourage, support and motivate us to be the most authentic, honest version of ourselves and do so with integrity. Who show us that you can make it, even if all doors are closed. That you can be true to your roots and show the world:

This is where I come from, and this is what I can do.