In a world that measures success by degrees, titles, and wages, my ambitions for my daughter may seem at odds with what is expected of a modern woman. We’re often told that our daughters must rise, work hard, and prove themselves equal to men. We’re told they must enter the rat race, compete, and excel, because somehow they are behind, always the underdog. Women are being driven to aim for roles like doctors, lawyers, or solicitors, and while these are honourable professions, this is not where I want my daughter’s aspirations to end.
My ambition for my daughter is not bound to job titles or salaries. No, I want something far more enduring for her—something that no degree or career can provide. I want her to embody the strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit of the women of Gaza.
Let’s set aside the skewed narratives that try to reduce these women to wives of terrorists. The world is beginning to see more clearly who the real aggressors are in this unjust situation. The women of Gaza, despite being in the heart of one of the most devastating conflicts of our time, represent everything I want my daughter to be. They are not broken by the chaos around them, and they certainly aren’t shattered by the trivial inconveniences that modern society places so much value on, like missing a nail appointment or not being able to get their lashes done.
Resilience in the Face of Loss
I want my daughter to be strong like these women. These are women who, even after losing loved ones, even after seeing their homes destroyed, refuse to let life break their resolve. I want my daughter to have that kind of patience and fortitude, to be able to lose parts of herself—whether it be dreams, opportunities, or loved ones—and still stand tall, unshaken in her faith and her purpose.
I want her to smile in the face of adversity, just as the women of Gaza do. I want her to understand, deep in her heart, that there is always something better to come, and that after every hardship, there will be ease.
Contentment with Little, Not Lost with Lots
In a world where we’re taught to strive for more and never settle, I want my daughter to be content with what life gives her, no matter how little it may seem. When challenges arise, I don’t want her to crack at the first sight of difficulty. Life will not always be smooth, and I don’t want her chasing after equality with men as if that is the standard she should aim for. Her value and worth are not determined by how closely she can match or surpass a man’s achievements.
I want her to understand that her role as a wife and mother is not something to look down on or set aside in favour of corporate success. It is one of the most honourable roles she could ever take on. Women like those in Gaza do not spend their lives trying to “prove” themselves against men, but they hold their heads high, knowing their strength lies in their ability to hold their families together even in the worst circumstances. They are the unsung heroes of this war who support their husbands and children when all the world seems to be falling apart.
Even when life offers nothing but hardship, I want my daughter to be able to support her family with the strongest of morale, even if the only thing on the dinner table is bread or grass.
The True Role of a Mother
I want my daughter to be the first university for her children, just like the women of Gaza. I want her to raise children who are not only smart but also brave, strong, and resilient. I don’t want her to raise children who are given everything but hold nothing as people; I want her to instil in them courage, determination, and faith. I want her to compete not in making her wage match her husband’s, but in raising children with the best character.
Gentleness and Kindness
I want my daughter to be gentle and kind to her husband, even when life doesn’t provide luxuries like gifts or date nights. The women of Gaza embody this grace, standing by their husbands and families even when they have nothing. They understand that true partnership isn’t measured by material wealth or grand gestures, but by love, respect, and resilience in the face of hardship. I want my daughter to carry this same wisdom—that a marriage built on faith and understanding will weather any storm, even if it never sees the comfort of a fancy lifestyle.
Faith as Her Anchor
And most importantly, I want her to be so strong in her faith that no army, no tank, no rocket can break her spirit. I want her to know that her worth is not in the car she drives, the money she earns, or the clothes she wears, but in her unwavering belief in something greater than this world. The women of Gaza have taught us that true power lies in faith—in knowing that this life is fleeting, and there is a higher purpose to our existence.
Inner Beauty Over Outer Appearance
In a world where social media defines worth by appearances, I want my daughter to be free from that empty pursuit. I don’t want her to worry if her clothes are full of dirt or creases because she only has one pair to wear. I want her to understand that true beauty comes from within, not from the latest trends or perfectly curated outfits. Look at the women of Gaza—these women face unimaginable hardship, often owning little more than the clothes on their backs, but their strength, dignity, and faith make them shine brighter than any material possession ever could. Unlike the modern woman who may have all the outer garments—designer clothes, flawless makeup, and an endless wardrobe—yet whose inner self is often broken and empty, the women of Gaza are adorned with resilience, courage, and unshakable faith. I want my daughter to take pride in qualities like these, because when the outer layers fade, it’s the inner self that endures.
As I reflect on what I truly want for my daughter, I realise that the modern, materialistic view of success falls short. The world tells women to aim for equality with men as if men are the standard. But the truth is, the strongest women are those who don’t seek validation from society. They are the ones who can endure suffering and hardship and still give from what little they have. They are the women who smile in the face of adversity, who nurture their families with love, patience, and strength, and who remain unshaken, no matter what life throws their way.
For me, the best example of womanhood is not found in corporate offices, expensive cars, or glittering social media feeds. The best example is found in the women of Gaza—those who stand tall, unbreakable, despite living through unimaginable hardship.
That is the kind of woman I want my daughter to be.
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