Women: Unintentional Leaders

♥

By: Talath Rana

I’ve always excelled as a student, giving no less than my best for every assignment. Most people give credit to their parents for their formative year’s achievements. 

But not me. My story is a bit different. Because that credit goes to my aunt, not my parents. 

My father was hard working. However, my mother, although the sweetest woman, was not educated enough to be of much help with my school lessons. 

So my early schooling fell to the responsibility of my aunt. All I’ve achieved is because of her. She did everything in her power to ensure I could stand on my own two feet and be a lucrative member of society.

Mother Figure

My aunt was a strong woman with substance and beauty. She had a tough exterior, yet on the inside, had a humble and helping nature. Her heart was big, and she always stood up for her family, despite life’s most formidable obstacles. 

Sadly, she passed away last year due to COVID-19. Her death was heartbreaking. And the news sent me to my knees in shock. 

I lost my mother a few years ago as well, so my aunt was the only remaining mother figure in my life. Remembering and cherishing the time I spent with her still continues to bring tears to my eyes. I will never be able to thank her for the selfless efforts she contributed to my life. I will never be able to tell her how much I loved her, and how proud I was of her. 

My only solace is in the hope that she just knew in her heart how much she meant to me.

Making Ends Meet

 

My aunt was the eldest daughter of my grandparents. When my grandfather passed, between her and my grandmother, they were responsible for feeding seven mouths. It was a tough time because women’s education was not given much importance, so my grandmother didn’t have many work opportunities. 

My aunt had to step in and take over responsibility as the breadwinner for the family. She took on seamstress work at a very early age and jumped at any other modest jobs available. She made sure her family was always fed and clothed. Her only goal was to ensure her siblings were able to make a future for themselves. Whether it be providing education or mending clothes for them, she did it all! 

Later in her life, she had an arranged marriage, though she was against it, she had no choice. I came to learn that marrying her husband was in the best interest of the family. Even after marriage, she ensured her siblings were not forgotten. She and her husband made every effort within their means to support them throughout their lives.

Devoted Caregiver

Even as a young child, I knew of the hardships she’d faced. But I never took the time to honor her. 

Because as a woman, taking care of your family and sacrificing your dreams was considered the noble thing to do. It was expected in the society I was raised in. She expected to manage an entire household without complaint. It was not a chore worthy of praise or appreciation. 

My extended family always raved about how she cared for others. But never once did anyone thank her for sustaining their lives. It was simply her burden to bear, and she did it all with great poise! 

The Great Sacrifice

My aunt was strict, stubborn, headstrong, and unyielding. She earned these qualities in exchange for sacrificing her dreams, wishes, and desires in life. 

Today, I am living in a developed country, and I am thankful to be residing in a place where I can learn more about women’s rights and their struggles. Even in the  21st century, women are still the most disadvantaged beings in society– simply because of our gender! 

Women are considered the responsible beings in most societies. We are mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives– all underappreciated no doubt. 

I can now see all the sacrifices my aunt had to endure. But I was too proud to acknowledge her sacrifices or maybe too naive to see it at all. A regret I’ll not soon forget. 

Immeasurable Appreciation

Everyday women are extraordinarily powerful humans. We are loaded with immense strength. We lead with our hearts. We are compassionate, loving, and dutiful. And so much more than we are given credit for. 

My aunt was a true unintentional leader! She never gave up on her people. She fought for them and their quality of life. She sacrificed her life– her childhood, her teenage years, her time– all for her family.

I wish with all my heart that COVID-19 was not the reason her life ended! 

I couldn’t be with her until the day before she passed. Although that day was bittersweet, she smiled at me! I get so teary-eyed with every memory that surfaces. Her inspiring life and what she did to give her siblings a bright future—the benefits of which I am reaping.

The New Age of Women

Being a woman is tough! 

Compassion, unconditional love, and nurturing duties all bound us like it’s our second nature requirement. We are the silent sufferers smiling at the afflictions. 

We call ourselves new age women whose presence in every field is commendable. But even today, we fail to recognize the efforts and sacrifices made by our fellow women who endured great sacrifice in their time. 

Leadership is not all about taking charge. It is also about the untold losses and the courage to move forward, not knowing what lies ahead of you. As much as you and I need grace, so do the women of the older generation who appear to have age old wisdoms bestowed upon them.

We must acknowledge the challenges they faced and remember to smile at them. Without those sacrifices and leadership, we wouldn’t be in this modern age! 

I am proud to be a strong woman, who like my aunt, never gives up on her people or obligations. 

Hammedunissa Begum, you were indeed an unintentional leader. One who will not be forgotten! RIP my dear aunt.

Women: Unintentional Leaders

♥

By: Talath Rana

I’ve always excelled as a student, giving no less than my best for every assignment. Most people give credit to their parents for their formative year’s achievements. 

But not me. My story is a bit different. Because that credit goes to my aunt, not my parents. 

My father was hard working. However, my mother, although the sweetest woman, was not educated enough to be of much help with my school lessons. 

So my early schooling fell to the responsibility of my aunt. All I’ve achieved is because of her. She did everything in her power to ensure I could stand on my own two feet and be a lucrative member of society.

Mother Figure

My aunt was a strong woman with substance and beauty. She had a tough exterior, yet on the inside, had a humble and helping nature. Her heart was big, and she always stood up for her family, despite life’s most formidable obstacles. 

Sadly, she passed away last year due to COVID-19. Her death was heartbreaking. And the news sent me to my knees in shock. 

I lost my mother a few years ago as well, so my aunt was the only remaining mother figure in my life. Remembering and cherishing the time I spent with her still continues to bring tears to my eyes. I will never be able to thank her for the selfless efforts she contributed to my life. I will never be able to tell her how much I loved her, and how proud I was of her. 

My only solace is in the hope that she just knew in her heart how much she meant to me.

Making Ends Meet

 

My aunt was the eldest daughter of my grandparents. When my grandfather passed, between her and my grandmother, they were responsible for feeding seven mouths. It was a tough time because women’s education was not given much importance, so my grandmother didn’t have many work opportunities. 

My aunt had to step in and take over responsibility as the breadwinner for the family. She took on seamstress work at a very early age and jumped at any other modest jobs available. She made sure her family was always fed and clothed. Her only goal was to ensure her siblings were able to make a future for themselves. Whether it be providing education or mending clothes for them, she did it all! 

Later in her life, she had an arranged marriage, though she was against it, she had no choice. I came to learn that marrying her husband was in the best interest of the family. Even after marriage, she ensured her siblings were not forgotten. She and her husband made every effort within their means to support them throughout their lives.

Devoted Caregiver

Even as a young child, I knew of the hardships she’d faced. But I never took the time to honor her. 

Because as a woman, taking care of your family and sacrificing your dreams was considered the noble thing to do. It was expected in the society I was raised in. She expected to manage an entire household without complaint. It was not a chore worthy of praise or appreciation. 

My extended family always raved about how she cared for others. But never once did anyone thank her for sustaining their lives. It was simply her burden to bear, and she did it all with great poise! 

The Great Sacrifice

My aunt was strict, stubborn, headstrong, and unyielding. She earned these qualities in exchange for sacrificing her dreams, wishes, and desires in life. 

Today, I am living in a developed country, and I am thankful to be residing in a place where I can learn more about women’s rights and their struggles. Even in the  21st century, women are still the most disadvantaged beings in society– simply because of our gender! 

Women are considered the responsible beings in most societies. We are mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives– all underappreciated no doubt. 

I can now see all the sacrifices my aunt had to endure. But I was too proud to acknowledge her sacrifices or maybe too naive to see it at all. A regret I’ll not soon forget. 

Immeasurable Appreciation

Everyday women are extraordinarily powerful humans. We are loaded with immense strength. We lead with our hearts. We are compassionate, loving, and dutiful. And so much more than we are given credit for. 

My aunt was a true unintentional leader! She never gave up on her people. She fought for them and their quality of life. She sacrificed her life– her childhood, her teenage years, her time– all for her family.

I wish with all my heart that COVID-19 was not the reason her life ended! 

I couldn’t be with her until the day before she passed. Although that day was bittersweet, she smiled at me! I get so teary-eyed with every memory that surfaces. Her inspiring life and what she did to give her siblings a bright future—the benefits of which I am reaping.

The New Age of Women

Being a woman is tough! 

Compassion, unconditional love, and nurturing duties all bound us like it’s our second nature requirement. We are the silent sufferers smiling at the afflictions. 

We call ourselves new age women whose presence in every field is commendable. But even today, we fail to recognize the efforts and sacrifices made by our fellow women who endured great sacrifice in their time. 

Leadership is not all about taking charge. It is also about the untold losses and the courage to move forward, not knowing what lies ahead of you. As much as you and I need grace, so do the women of the older generation who appear to have age old wisdoms bestowed upon them.

We must acknowledge the challenges they faced and remember to smile at them. Without those sacrifices and leadership, we wouldn’t be in this modern age! 

I am proud to be a strong woman, who like my aunt, never gives up on her people or obligations. 

Hammedunissa Begum, you were indeed an unintentional leader. One who will not be forgotten! RIP my dear aunt.

About author: Talath Rana

Talath is the owner of  Tarana Virtual Solutions where she helps mompreneurs create content for business growth. 

She is passionate about creative writing and building her virtual business. 

Connect with Talath on Instagram @ranatalath

About author: Talath Rana

Talath is the owner of  Tarana Virtual Solutions where she helps mompreneurs create content for business growth. 

She is passionate about creative writing and building her virtual business. 

Connect with Talath on Instagram @ranatalath