A letter to my inspiration on International Women’s Day

Aatii, one of the incredible young women that we work with at Hope for the Young, writes a letter to her inspiration, to celebrate the strength and resilience of the woman that has shaped her life.

On International Women’s Day, I find myself reflecting on the incredible woman who has shaped my life in countless ways, “my mother.” When I think of the word ‘inspiration,’ the first person who comes to mind is always her. From the very beginning of my childhood, I have watched my mother struggle, sacrifice, and give everything she had for us. Her relentless drive to ensure a better future for her children is something I can never forget.

"My mother is the embodiment of what it means to be a woman - powerful, compassionate and unstoppable."

Growing up, I saw my mother balance everything, from teaching at school to managing our home, all while taking care of us. I witnessed first-hand how hard she worked, not just to put food on the table but to ensure we were equipped with the education and opportunities to succeed.

I remember how, despite all her hard work, she never let any of us feel that we were lacking anything. One thing that stands out in my mind is how my mother always made sure that her priorities were set straight. I still remember it well today, even though she had her own responsibilities, she gave my younger brother the card for her salary so that he wouldn’t ever feel like he was missing anything while studying at university. Can you even imagine working hard the whole month, and the money you earn through your hard work is being used by someone else? No one can do this except a mother.

"She believed in making sure her children never felt the weight of the world on their shoulders."

Through all of this, my mother never once complained or showed signs of exhaustion. She never allowed herself to feel defeated, even when circumstances seemed difficult. She was, and still is, a rock of unwavering strength. The resilience she displayed in her struggle to ensure we had everything we needed, from school admissions to sending us abroad for higher studies, is something few can even comprehend. She did it all with grace and without any expectation of recognition.

My mother taught me that hard work doesn’t always bring immediate rewards, but it brings results. She showed me that it is not enough to just work hard for yourself, you work hard to make sure the people you love are taken care of. She believed that the responsibilities of a household, especially for a woman, should be shared equally, that it wasn’t just her job to handle everything.

It is often said that a mother’s love knows no bounds, and my mother is the living proof of that. She dedicated her life to us, and I don’t think there has ever been a mother who has sacrificed more for her children than mine has. Her devotion and love for us are immeasurable, and I will forever be grateful to her for everything she has done.

"My mother wasn’t just a teacher by profession , she was a teacher of life, imparting lessons of perseverance, resilience, and the importance of family. "

On this International Women’s Day, I want to honour the woman who continues to inspire me every single day. Her strength, her love, and her tireless effort are a reminder of what true determination and sacrifice look like. I can only hope to live up to the example she set for me and for all the people she has touched throughout her life.

Thank you, Mom, for everything you have done and continue to do. You are the most inspiring woman I know. Happy International Women’s Day!