Unsaid

I have met many women with long and complex stories, often leading to similar conclusions.

My favorite actor, Bahram Afshari, once said, “Nothing ends badly; if it does, it hasn’t ended.” While I appreciate his perspective, I often find myself questioning it. In my brief life experience, I’ve noticed that many women I’ve encountered possess stories rich enough to fill books and even inspire movies. Yet, they seem trapped in a cycle where their primary hope rests in their children, often losing sight of their identities in the process.

These women aspire to reclaim their lives, but they face judgment for wanting to prioritize themselves, often being labeled “selfish” for stepping away from their roles as unpaid caretakers. This is not true for everyone, but it reflects the reality for many. Their voices have been silenced by fear of their husbands and families, sacrificing their youth for the sake of their children’s bright futures, all while lacking supportive family dynamics themselves.

I genuinely hope that these women are now on their journeys to becoming the best versions of themselves. When we meet again, I hope they embody the individuals they wished to be before they were taught to prioritize being a wife. I hope they have reclaimed a part of their lives, one that reflects who they truly are and what they deserve.

But who is to blame? In many cases, I would attribute it to cultural and social expectations. For many, the idea of dreaming beyond what they were given was so uncommon that society took it upon itself to stifle those dreams. Some women broke free from these societal constraints, facing opposition from relatives who, lacking opportunities themselves, believed that a girl’s best path was marriage.

On the other hand, some families encouraged their daughters to pursue education. Yet, even among those who were supported, they often encountered workplace barriers—lower-paying jobs and societal norms that funneled women into subordinate roles while men were more often groomed for leadership positions.

To all the young women around the world who are fortunate enough to receive an education: “Society may try to restrict our rights, but let us remember that we are living out the dreams of countless others.”