Sirf Ghar Nahi Sambhalna Hai: How Education Empowers Women

My name is Ayesha Qureshi. In February this year, I reached a milestone that still fills me with pride and gratitude: I became the first girl in my family to earn a master's degree. It was more than just an academic achievement; it was a victory over societal expectations, cultural stereotypes, and deeply ingrained gender restrictions. While my parents have always supported me, the journey was difficult. During family gatherings, I often heard comments like, “Kya hi karna hai padh likh ke? End mein toh ghar hi sambhalna hai” (What’s the point of studying when you’ll just end up managing the household?). Initially, I tried to explain the importance of education, but over time, I realised that my relatives saw me as less of a “good girl” because I was pursuing education instead of focusing solely on marriage.

The breaking point came at a cousin’s wedding when one of my aunts made a demeaning comment about me. I was devastated when my sister-in-law later informed me about it. The idea that they could equate educational freedom with something inappropriate was crushing. I cried a lot that day, and on the way back, I begged my mother to keep it a secret from my father. I was afraid that if he found out, he might give in to societal pressure and stop me from continuing my education. After that, I started avoiding most family gatherings because I couldn’t face their judgment and gossip.

When the pandemic began, my cousins were getting married, and my father started feeling the societal pressure to talk about my marriage. When I failed the entrance exams for DU and JNU, he suggested that I consider marriage. I was terrified, so I quickly enrolled in a master's program in Women and Gender Studies from IGNOU. Though my father wasn’t pleased with my choice of subject, it stopped the marriage discussions.

The next two years were transformative. While pursuing my master’s degree, I interned with an NGO as a content writer, where my dedication and efforts earned me a promotion to content head. This experience not only helped me build my career but also significantly boosted my confidence. I worked there for a year before securing my first corporate job. By the time I completed my degree, I had become an independent, working woman with a postgraduate education. The day I received my degree remains one of the most joyous moments of my life.

Seeing the pride on my parents' faces, especially my father’s unspoken but heartfelt joy, is a memory I will treasure forever.

Why is it important to you?

This journey is important to me because it shows how education empowers women. It’s not just about academics but about challenging societal norms that dictate how girls should live. Education helps us understand our rights and gives us the confidence to make our own decisions.

For too long, girls have been told that education isn’t necessary because they’ll eventually get married and manage a household. But education doesn’t make us “bad” or “rebellious,” as some stereotypes claim. It helps us question harmful norms, recognize subtle discrimination, and choose the path we want in life. I’ve remained focused on my goals and stayed single, proving that education doesn’t interfere with personal values or choices.

I want my story to inspire others, especially in communities where educating girls is still seen as unnecessary or risky. Education is just as important as marriage and family—it empowers women to be financially independent and make informed decisions. Every girl deserves the freedom to learn, grow, and shape her future without societal judgment.

How did it make you feel?

This journey made me feel incredibly blessed to have parents who prioritized my dreams over societal pressures. While many of my cousins were engaged at a young age, my parents encouraged me to focus on building my future first. Their belief in me gave me the strength to overcome societal expectations and continue pursuing my education.

Through this experience, I felt empowered, resilient, and hopeful for a future where more girls can have the same opportunities. The challenges I faced and the milestones I achieved taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of breaking stereotypes. Today, I stand proud not just for myself but for every girl who dares to dream beyond societal limits. Education is not a privilege—it's a right that every girl deserves.

Views expressed by the author are their own