I Dared To Dream

I have a story to tell. I have shared this story with many people; some believed it, while others remain skeptical. Some find it amusing—perhaps it is—while others consider it exaggerated. Most importantly, many have found inspiration in this narrative. Some of those inspired have encouraged me to share it with a broader audience. What better way to do so than by posting it here on my blog? This way, more people will have the opportunity to read it. Who knows? Even if it doesn’t inspire you, you might know someone who could benefit from this inspiration. The great thing is that it will remain here for anyone who needs to read it. This is my story—my true life story—a tale of how I dared to dream, how my dreams evolved, and how you too can find the courage to dream.

I am the firstborn of two children and grew up in a very traditional, conservative family within a small community. I often describe my parents as semi-literate; they received a limited formal education, just enough to navigate their jobs. Consequently, they could not provide much career guidance for my siblings and me, so we had to rely on our teachers and other family members for support. This is why my parents encouraged my dreams. At one point, I even expressed a desire to become a lawyer in the future, but I was dissuaded by some who believed I was being overly ambitious in pursuing such lofty aspirations.

The community I grew up in was relatively small; everyone knew each other, and everyone was involved in each other’s lives. It was the kind of community where there was a prevailing belief that girls should be raised to become wives. Parents often took their daughters to school only because the government mandated that girls should receive an education as well. Despite this, many girls did not have the opportunity to attend school until they were much older. Most of them ended their education after completing basic school and then pursued vocational training. Those who continued their education after basic school typically attended vocational schools or entered various forms of technical apprenticeships. Very few went on to high school; most would eventually become teachers or nurses, marry, have children, and perpetuate the cycle.

This is what I grew up witnessing, and it shaped my dreams! My aspirations were to either become a teacher or a nurse, get married, have my husband buy me a motorbike, and eventually have children, living happily ever after. I had no understanding of university education, first degrees, second degrees, or any further qualifications beyond a master’s degree. The only type of doctor I was familiar with was a medical doctor, and I was unaware that women could pursue this profession. The only roles I observed women occupying were

teachers, nurses, seamstresses, weavers, hairdressers, and housewives were juggling these professions alongside other responsibilities such as housekeeping and motherhood. Coming from such a background, my aspirations at the time were both justified and valid. Even with the limited knowledge I had about education, I dared to dream. I envisioned completing my schooling before getting married and starting a family.

I will skip the details of my upbringing and fast forward to when I completed Senior High School (SHS). By this time, I was certain that I wanted to become a teacher, so I began searching for teacher training colleges I could attend. Remember when I mentioned that everyone was in everyone’s business? One of my cousins, who was a teacher at the time, advised me to pursue a degree program if I truly wanted to teach. She explained that obtaining a diploma would eventually require me to pursue a degree later in my career. She helped me understand that I could still become a teacher without necessarily attending a teacher training college, as there were universities that offered specialized degrees in education. This was a turning point for me! Some of my colleagues have called me names like Poggandaa (rebellious woman), but I did not let that bother me. My eyes had been opened to see beyond my limited dreams, and I had a clear focus. Nothing was going to distract me from my aspirations.

I entered the university feeling quite uncertain about what lay ahead, but I was pleasantly surprised! I discovered that one could

actually, one can go beyond a first degree! I discovered that, in addition to medical doctors, we also have academic doctors. More importantly, I realized that women can aspire to roles beyond just teachers and nurses. Even if women choose to be teachers, they can teach at higher levels than just basic schools. I entered university with the dream of becoming a teacher at a basic school after graduation. I did not merely pass through university; I allowed the university to shape me. It was during this time that I recognized my desire for more than just a first degree. I wanted to be more than a basic school teacher; I aspired to be more than just a wife and a mother riding a motorbike on the streets of Wa.

I am sharing this today, March 8, 2025, which marks International Women’s Day, because I believe there are countless out there who lack access to the resources necessary to explore their potential. They often do not receive career guidance, financial assistance for higher education, or support to overcome cultural and social barriers that make it difficult for them to even dare to dream. Even in instances where they manage to bridge some of these gaps and secure a place at the corporate table, they face challenges such as pay inequality, gender-based violence, limited access to self-development programs, and underrepresentation in leadership roles.

This year, the theme focuses on accelerating action for gender equality. This day also emphasizes the importance of recognizing and implementing effective strategies, resources, and activities that promote women’s advancement, urging collective support to amplify their impact. These issues are not distant from us; we can all contribute to ensuring that women are treated equitably. We can achieve this by supporting women in whatever endeavors they choose to pursue. First, women need to be aware of the opportunities, career options, and alternatives available to them. If they qualify and are willing to take on leadership roles, we should empower them and provide the necessary support. If they decide to start their own businesses, we must offer assistance to help them launch and operate successfully.

Intricately linked to this, we can also encourage young girls to pursue their dreams. It is widely recognized that girls and women are excelling in fields that were previously dominated by men. Therefore, it is essential for young women to follow their aspirations in STEM, the arts, leadership, and entrepreneurship or

whatever field they choose, another way to accelerate action for gender equality is to share inspiring stories and engage in conversations about gender inclusion, equality, and equity, while also challenging stereotypes. That is why I am sharing my story today: from a little girl who could barely dare to dream to a woman who dreams regardless of the time of day. I have great hope that someone will be inspired. So even if you think you cannot do anything to promote action, I want you to know that sharing this with someone could be your way of making a difference.

If you believe there is nothing you can do personally to support girls and women in pursuing their dreams, then simply allow them to be. It is often better to leave things as they are if we cannot improve them. I wish everyone reading this a Happy International Women’s Day. I pledge to support anyone, girls, women, boys, men, young or old in pursuing the dreams they dare to have. What about you? CHEERS!!!