If I take this path there is no returning back. I will be all alone, with no one to shoulder my faults or to guide me except for—
Noor
Khadija. For those of you who don't know Khadija. That was Muhammad’s wife. The greatest business person in whole of Mecca ever. In fact, the only business person in Mecca at the time. Yes. A woman! If Mohammed stopped her business, how do you think she would have sold her dates? (to the audience) She was known for her ripe delicious dates. When most women conduct business today? The man takes the credit for his wife’s work! But what did Mohammed do? He told her that she started it! It was her business! He gave her all of the credit and encouraged her to expand her business and her dreams. (sighs) Good times! I wonder what god modern men are honoring?
Chinhua
My mom was also never there for me. The sorrow of losing her only son during childbirth ate her alive. Neighbors said my mom, when she was young, was the picture of happy married life and they could hear her laughing, ringing like temple bells. But after my younger brother passing, she became a living shadow of herself. When my time came, with the option of waiting for male child instead, she could not bear my loss. Lucky me! To prove my worth and intelligence and to keep up with everyone at school I worked doubly hard. In academics, sports, clubs— everything. I worked hard so nobody could ever say that “Oh, she is a girl, give her a break” or “she is on her period that's why”. I remember being obsessed for an acceptance among my male peers. (Pause) No need to separate or differentiate there.
Adna
--Who has dishonored her family! Mother, believe that it was not my fault. I told my nana, “Grandmother, I feel so scared at night.” I feel like he is watching me from every corner I turn. My home has become the most dangerous place for me as my father is still friends with him! He will not even discuss or blame him for what happened to me! Maybe I should accept Uncle Zazu’s offer to apply to the orphanage. Young girls, I have heard, are not even safe in those places. But at least it might be a way out. But to be taken away from your family. Possibly never seeing your mother, brother or sisters again.
Zia
Ammi! Open Youtube! My music video is trending #1. It has more than 3 million views!!”. Omg! Ammi they love me. People love my music. Don’t worry. I am covered from head to toe in the black burqa. Nobody can tell it’s me. (pause to realize she can’t celebrate, gets serious for a moment) I was covered from head to toe in the traditional black burqa that I borrowed from my muslim friend. I even had to hide my face in fear so that Pitta, my father, couldn't see it. Yes, I am happy that my video is trending and getting millions of views around the world. But what's the point. Nobody knows it’s me. I have to hide my identity in fear so that I wouldn't be recognized by my father. So that he wouldn't take away the most passionate and dear thing to me in life. Someone please tell who am I? What am I? Why am I? I want the world to hear my voice, my music, my passion. Should I voice it? Should I take this route?
Noor
Guess what? The government FINALLY said we could drive!! What am I waiting for then? Oh! I will take Baba’s new Lamborghini out and just drive, drive, drive!! It is wicked fast. --And—what?
(cont.)