I absolutely loved focusing on my education and career. I wanted to be self reliant and never rely on some man to pay for me. That is what I had in my head when I was in my student years. I was the most hard working one in my group, heavily focused on the presentations, exams and all the class participation. I always stood out and almost every teacher pointed it out. I was so aware about what was happening on in this country and all the international news. Maybe it was my love for reading papers, scrolling through twitter and get all the latest updates or my father generally discussing what’s happening around the world.

I had so many dreams and ambitions. But I forgot the backward environment I belonged from. Sure I have traveled more than an average woman of my age. That broadened my horizons. Changed how I looked at things and people. Made me want to dissociate with people real quick. Life is too short to be around people you aren’t certain of.

When I was in my undergrad I had made it clear to my parents that I had a few universities in my head for my postgrad. Particularly King’s College London. While there was still time left the topic wasn’t really argued upon. But as soon as I graduated and obtained the GPA for the university I wanted to get into my sweet mother told me how girls from our culture can’t go abroad for further studies. That is the moment my world came crashing down. My parents could have easily sent me abroad and it was a one year course with no break straight. But the sick thought of what might the “society” say made them kill my goals and dreams. I wanted to pursue a career in journalism in a renowned foreign news channel. Away from the ruckus of this country.

I never wanted to repeat the cycle of how it was like being a girl from a huge Baloch Family. I had goals and dreams far bigger than this society. But another dream was wasted and life was lost. This all made me regret years of my education and studies. I wish either my family had never given me that exposure and if they did they should’ve been kind enough to encourage me to pursue my ambitions and dreams.

This society is not meant for women. They are only treasured when they suffer quietly and that too when they’re dead. I absolutely loathe it when a woman has to shrink herself for the society to feel big about itself. DONT EVER DO THAT. Support your child regardless of their gender to achieve their dream, careers or just don’t make them dream of it next time if you can’t help them achieve it. We put our culture before anything else without realising how much outdated it is. Repeating the same cycle for generations has led to nothing but a steep decline in a lot of families. Their thoughts and existence is limited. I hope we change the society and make it a better place for people (particularly girls) to pursue what they want.