Madeeha Damoun

Liberating the Unspoken:

Imagine living in a society where a simple phrase, “Bas chup” (just be quiet), carries a weight that can crush your spirit. If you’re a woman in Pakistan, these words strike at your core in a way that’s hard to describe. Every single day, from the moment you enter this world, you’re bombarded with this message. It surrounds you, like a heavy cloud that won’t let you breathe. And sadly, the very system meant to educate and nurture you only adds fuel to the fire, teaching you to hold back your thoughts, ideas, and opinions. Your worth is measured by how well you repeat what you’ve been taught, even if it means losing your own sense of self. I still remember how teachers would deduct marks just because I didn’t write their favorite phrases.

But this silent confinement doesn’t end when you leave the school grounds; it follows you home, settling in the spaces between whispered conversations. You long to share your innermost thoughts with your parents, but their own wounds and burdens prevent them from truly hearing you. They unknowingly pass on the pain they carry, unintentionally suppressing your voice along the way. As you grow older, they shape you into someone who believes that standing up for yourself, or expressing your personal opinions to your future husband, is forbidden. When someone bullies you or hurts you emotionally, you’re trained to swallow your pain, to keep it hidden. And on the rare occasions when you summon the courage to speak up, your words are met with a deafening hush, as if your voice holds no worth.

It breaks my heart to witness the countless stories of talented young women in Pakistan, their vibrant spirits trapped within walls of silence. Each stifled voice represents a missed opportunity for growth, progress, and a brighter future for our beloved nation. Our potential lies not only in our land and resources, but also in the minds and voices of our women. It’s time to shatter the chains that hold us back, to reclaim our right to be heard.

To the daughters of Pakistan, I want you to know this: Your thoughts, ideas, and opinions are precious. They are like flowers waiting to bloom, waiting to spread their fragrance and beauty. You hold within you a unique perspective, a wisdom that the world needs to hear. Let us come together to create a society that celebrates your voice, that cherishes your contributions. It is through your stories, your experiences, and your resilience that we can build a more inclusive and compassionate Pakistan.

To the parents, I humbly ask you to recognize the incredible power you possess. You have the ability to shape the lives of your daughters in a way that empowers and uplifts them. Encourage them to speak their minds, to share their dreams, and listen with an open heart. By nurturing their voices, you not only strengthen your own family, but also contribute to a society that thrives on equality and understanding.

And to all those who have ever felt the weight of “Bas Chup(Just be quiet)” bearing down on their souls, please remember that you are not alone. There are others who understand, who have carried the same burden. Together, we can create a world where the voices of Pakistani women are cherished and respected. Let us raise our voices, challenge the norms that hold us back, and break the silence that has held us captive for far too long.

With unity and compassion, we will rise above the suffocating whispers of “Just be quiet” and pave the way for a future where every woman can speak her truth, unencumbered by fear or judgment.