I BELIEVE the way we were raised acts as the foundation of the work of art we eventually become.
I have been quite fortunate. I was born into a loving family. However, my experience growing up a girl in a cultural environment that is deeply rooted in classic patriarchal views has been tainted by moments where I felt at a disadvantage because of my gender.
When I was younger, I attended a fairly progressive kindergarten. But when our teachers asked us what we aspired to be, they laughed in our faces if any of us girls said anything other than what was deemed feminine.
That was the first time I felt disadvantaged because of my gender.
That sentiment has only gotten stronger since then. I am constantly reminded that in the professional world, I would be paid less than my male counterparts and that I would be “the minority”.
My every move would be watched and criticised, be it deciding to work after having children or become a stay-at-home parent. My appearance would be valued as much as, if not more than, my intelligence.
However, I am lucky enough to be around many amazing people who have reminded me of my worth and that I could be any piece of art I wanted to be.
Adeena: To every little girl out there, never underestimate your worth and strength.
At home, I have never been held back by the constraints of gender norms, as I might have been in other households as the only daughter.
Our household responsibilities are well distributed. I have never been forced to do anything I did not want to; nor have I ever been pressured to act a certain way because I am a girl. As a result, I have never thought that women’s capabilities are limited to caregiving and motherhood.
Instead, from a young age, I have held the belief that girls can do anything and everything boys can, and that mindset has stayed with me all the way to where I am now.
People will strive to infiltrate our thinking and make us believe that we have no value or that we are just a tick in a box.
To every little girl out there, never underestimate your worth and strength. You are worthy of every chance and opportunity in life to pursue and achieve your aspirations.
Abstract art deserves a museum too.
Adeena Salimee, 15, a student in Melaka, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. Applications for the BRATs 2023 programme close today. For more information, go to facebook.com/niebrats.
Now that you have read the article, test your understanding by carrying out the following English language activities.
1 “Girls can do anything and everything boys can.” Look in today’s copy of the Sunday Star newspaper for examples that can back up this statement. Cut them out and paste them in your Star-NiE scrapbook. When you are done, present your findings to your activity partner and have a discussion on why it matters to empower girls.
2 Is there a female personality whom you find inspiring? Tell your activity partner about this person’s qualities and achievements, and how students your age can learn from her. You may look for an example of this personality in today’s newspaper.
The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes the use of English language in primary and secondary schools nationwide. For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@thestar.com.my.
