If I forget, remember that we are funding futures

If you forgot what you were doing at the age of 25, let me remind you. At that time, you began your journey with Women for Women International through the Stronger Women Stronger Nations programme, and it was one of the most beautiful experiences of your life. You may not have realised then how much this experience would shape your personality and your future, but you knew that you wanted to learn and create a real opportunity for yourself.  You started learning to sew from the very beginning. Every day brought new knowledge and another step forward in your development. You did not simply learn a profession. You learned to be patient with your dreams and understand that success requires perseverance, hard work, and dedication. Your dream was to establish your own sewing business, become self-reliant, and build your future with your own hands. I hope you have held on to that passion and never abandoned your dream, no matter how difficult the journey became.  Women for Women International in Iraq did not only teach me how to sew. It also gave me greater confidence in myself. It taught me to face my fears and to believe that every beginning has value no matter how small it may be.  One of the most beautiful things I gained from this journey was meeting women who left a deep impact on my life. At first, I was extremely shy. I could not stand in front of the participants or speak with confidence. But over time, and thanks to the support I received, I changed greatly. I became able to speak confidently and encourage the participants to take part, express their opinions, and believe in their abilities. These women helped shape my personality and gave me the courage I am proud of today.  I hope that 30 years from now, you have found the freedom you dreamed of and are living the life you wished for, even if not everything went according to plan. Life does not always give us what we planned for, but it gives us experiences that make us stronger and more mature.  Never forget the difficult roads you travelled or the dreams that accompanied you at every step. Those dreams encouraged you to keep going each day. If you ever feel tired or want to give up, always remember why you began this journey. With that, you will find the strength to return to your path once again.  I hope many things will have changed 30 years from now. Above all, I hope discrimination against women will have been eliminated and that every girl will have the right to education and to live freely. I hope there will be laws that protect women and provide them with equal opportunities in every area of life and work.  I also hope society’s view of women will have changed and that women will no longer be seen as less than men, because women and men have equal value and deserve the same opportunities and respect.  I hope every girl will have the right to choose her own path in life and make her own choices, without being forced into decisions she does not want because of social pressure. Only when girls are given the opportunities they truly deserve in life will society, and humanity, be in a much better place.  Sahira Khalel, Women for Women International changemaker