From Struggles to Success: My Journey of Self-Discovery
Present, Past, Future
Hi, my name is Doleh Khan and I am someone who is driven to constantly learn and explore new things in my field of interest. When I was younger, I found myself at a crossroads after my father passed away. I wasn’t sure if I should focus on my studies or start working, so I decided to do both. Growing up in a disadvantaged area of Umerkot, Sindh meant that my family had very limited financial resources. To achieve my dreams of getting an education, I had to take on a job as a local waiter to support myself. I was born in the village of Haji Muhammad Baig Jakhro on May 5th, 2001, and Umerkot, Sindh is my hometown.
Sadly, my father passed away in 2005 and a few years later, my elder brother also passed away in 2014. Their deaths were a devastating shock not just for me, but for my entire family.
“Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.” (Al-Baqarah 2:156)
During this difficult time, my elder brother Imran Ahmed stepped up and played a crucial role in taking care of our family. At the young age of 23, he not only shouldered many responsibilities, but also provided us with financial support. I believe that without his guidance and help, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
I always had a dream of pursuing higher education, and it was my brother who helped make that dream a reality. I am currently studying at the University of Sindh Jamshoro, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Orientation Studies. My ultimate goal is to work towards community causes, human rights, women’s rights, and gender equality in Pakistan. I want to create awareness among women, particularly those who are facing difficulties due to male dominance and are unable to voice their concerns. I aspire to use social and political media to shed light on these issues and raise my voice to make a positive impact.
Furthermore, I also have a vision to work for the underprivileged children in my community who are unable to access basic education due to financial constraints. To achieve this, I have created a system where I gather donations from my relatives, neighbors, friends, and the community. With the funds collected, I purchase copies, pens, pencils, books, and food, which I then distribute among young girls and boys who are unable to continue their education. I use good communication skills and motivate them to strive for a better future. So far, I have collected up to 3000 Pakistani rupees and have been able to make a positive impact on the lives of these young children.
When I look back on my school days, it wasn’t exactly a smooth ride for me. Despite being academically inclined, I found myself involved in various odd jobs like selling wood, cutting trees, doing odd jobs in the locality, and even grass cutting. My mother used to help out our neighbors and I would often accompany her. I spent a considerable amount of time working under the guidance of my relatives, as I knew that I didn’t have many options to support my family and to move forward in life.
Despite the challenges I faced, I managed to continue my education. I completed my primary education from the local government school, Haji Muhammad Ask Jakhro, and later went on to pass my SSC training from the same school. For my HSC or college education, I enrolled at the Government Boys Degree College in Umerkot in 2016. I chose the medical field, and it was a fantastic experience for me. Not only did I get the opportunity to join a prestigious institution called the Right Solutions Institute of Computer Science, but I also spent a lot of time at the library called the Sami Institute. It was there that I improved my English speaking skills and also took computer courses. I even had the chance to donate my old books, including my 8th and 7th class books. Today, I am confident in my ability to communicate in English and have gained knowledge about laptops, data entry, resume building, presentation skills, and more.
Journey with Department of Gender Studies
I want to begin by expressing my gratitude to Allah (S.W.T) for keeping me safe and guiding me towards the path of His beloved Prophet (S.A.W). All praise and gratitude belong to Allah (S.W.T), equal to the count of every creation. I am thankful to all those who have supported and helped me in this endeavor, whether it be physically, morally, or in any other way. I would like to thank my parents and friends for their countless prayers.
Now, let me share with you the heartfelt story of my graduation from the Department of Gender Studies at the University of Sindh in Jamshoro.
Graduation is a momentous occasion that marks both an end and a new beginning. It’s a time to reflect on the warm memories of the past and to dream big for the future.
Society made me believe that pursuing a degree in Gender Studies was not the best career option for me, but I had a deep-seated desire from childhood to become a human socialist. When I didn’t get accepted into medical school after my first attempt, I was devastated and felt like I had failed. However, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, stopped pursuing my hobbies, and ignored my own feelings in the pursuit of societal success. I made career goals that were not in my comfort zone and surrounded myself with people who motivated me.
In the end, I lost myself and had no interest in the department I got admitted to, even after a year of studying. I regretted my decision because I would have to live without my comfort zone for the rest of my life.
But, I believe that everything happens for a reason. Through this experience, I learned the most important lesson of my life — the key to happiness is listening to your inner voice. Achieving true success comes from self-discovery, and inner peace is more important than anything else.
Gender has a deep impact on how we experience the world around us, and it carries significant cultural implications. In Southeast Asia, the relationships between genders, sexualities, and religions are uniquely complex due to the region’s immense socio-cultural diversity.
After graduating from college, I felt a lot of pressure from my studies and financial constraints. I was unsure about which degree to pursue, so I took a year off to ponder and discover my true passion.
During that year, I had the opportunity to take an admirable test at the University of Sindh in Jamshoro, and I was accepted into the Department of Gender Studies. As someone who identifies strongly as a feminist, I have always been interested in issues of gender and sexuality, especially those related to domestic violence, labor work, and the pressure faced by women in my village.
On my first day in the department, I felt the presence of my respected teachers, including Madam Director Misbha Bibi Qureshi. She was an incredible teacher who not only inspired me but also helped me stand on my feet and face the world.
Personally, I hold the belief that gender equality, women’s rights, standing against violence, trafficking, wage differences, and social, political, and physical differences between men and women are crucial issues that need to be addressed. As a recent graduate of the Department of Gender Studies, I am well-versed in women’s social issues, which is why I enjoy writing articles on women’s rights, gender issues, women’s hard work, and more.
I was able to conduct research on the topic of “The Role of Hindu Women in Agriculture Contributions.” Before beginning my research, I conducted some reviews which provided me with different information on the jobs of women in horticulture, as well as the roles they play in their day-to-day lives. In rural areas, women are much stronger than men because they work much harder, and their contributions are more significant than those of men. They work alongside men and handle all sorts of specialized work. 60% of the work is done by women and only 40% is done by men. While men only focus on economic methods, women care for their children, homes, washing, dis-tuning, cleaning, and even land work. I would like to express my gratitude to a lady named Zubida, who has been immensely helpful in completing this research. I will soon add the names of the research areas and people who conducted questionnaires at those locations.
My Transformative Journey with LCOY Pakistan: A Delegate and Ambassador’s Tale
In the heart of Islamabad, Pakistan, my journey with the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) began as one of the fortunate 800 individuals selected from a pool of applications. Little did I know that this opportunity would catapult me into a position of influence and activism as a Delegate and Ambassador at NUST University. This remarkable experience paved the way for me to contribute to shaping climate actions, strategizing for COP-28 in Dubai, and addressing crucial issues within my community.
Selection and anticipation: The moment my application for LCOY Pakistan was accepted, a mix of excitement and responsibility engulfed me. Joining a community of like-minded individuals, all passionate about climate action, fueled my determination to make a difference. Being selected as one of the few Delegates and Ambassadors intensified my commitment to representing my community’s concerns on a global stage.
Preparation and collaboration: As a Delegate, I delved into extensive research, examining climate actions, and formulating strategies to present at COP-28 in Dubai. Collaborating with fellow Delegates and Ambassadors at NUST University, we brainstormed innovative solutions to address not only environmental challenges but also pressing issues such as gender imbalances and limited opportunities within our communities.
Presentation at COP-28, Dubai: The pinnacle of my journey was the opportunity to present our community’s concerns and proposed solutions at COP-28 in Dubai, December 2023. Standing on a global platform, I articulated the pressing climate issues, highlighting the impact on marginalized communities, and advocating for inclusive strategies to create a more sustainable and equitable world.
Addressing community concerns: My presentation at COP-28 emphasized the importance of addressing gender imbalances and providing equal opportunities within communities. By shedding light on these issues, I aimed to inspire actionable change, fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, has the chance to contribute to building a better world.
Strategies for a sustainable future: A key focus of my presentation was outlining practical strategies for a sustainable future. From harnessing renewable energy sources to promoting environmentally conscious practices within communities, the goal was to create a comprehensive plan that could be implemented globally. My vision was not just about mitigating climate change but also fostering a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature.
Behind there are some picture which taken during the research areas.
I would love to add their art work too
Hobbies
I believe that everyone has their own unique set of hobbies, and my interests are no different. My hobbies are quite simple and straightforward:
- I am a cheerful and energetic person who values hard work and strives to achieve my dreams. I also love to write.
- I am passionate about becoming a social worker, working in teams, developing leadership skills, fostering a growth mindset, and thinking critically, especially in the context of gender-based research.
- I enjoy sports, traveling to explore new things, and using computers.
- Writing articles about domestic violence, gender issues, and child education is something I find fulfilling. I also enjoy writing blogs and using my voice to advocate for gender equality, raise awareness about violence, and address issues like domestic violence, child marriage, and women’s rights.
- I find it fascinating to explore new cultures and learn about the perspectives of different people. I also enjoy reading books, stories, and studying gender studies.
- I have a soft spot for copper and goats, as well as their adorable offspring, and I enjoy spending time with them and understanding their needs.
- Playing with little children and getting to know their emotions and experiences is something that brings me great joy and fulfillment.
Now let's come to know the Achievements of my life
I have received many Certificate Received from Right Solution Computer Excellence
I am proud to have achieved many things in my life through my abilities, talents, skills, and hard work. Some of my accomplishments include:
- Receiving computer skills certificate from Right Solution Computer Excellence
- Winning speech appreciation on Independence Day
- Winning a 10 rupees prize from my school for singing a song with my elder brother Muhammad Rafique (who passed away in 2014)
- Receiving prizes and gifts from my respected teachers
- Being awarded a merit-based scholarship from University of Sindh Jamshoro in 2019
- Securing first position in Department of Gender Studies Major
- Getting the Best Performance Sheet from College Inter based Education in 2018
- Receiving article winning award from Philippines got 4th position
- Receiving an appreciation title from Sami Foundation on Independence Day 2018
- Securing first position at Right Solution Centre by getting 95% marks in six-month test
- Receiving appreciation from English Speaking Club for my performances
- Winning appreciation for my Independence Day speech.
I am not very interested in having strong likes or dislikes, but there are some things that I enjoy doing. For instance, I love to travel and explore new places, talk to people, and learn from their experiences. I am self-confident and motivated, and I enjoy learning new things and communicating with others. I am socially active and like to help those around me, especially during their hard times. I am passionate about issues related to youth empowerment, women’s rights, gender equality, social, political and economic inequality, and I want to play an important role in my society by helping people overcome these challenges.
As for my dreams, I have some very interesting ones that I am determined to achieve. I want to be there for my community in both good and hard times, because I know their living conditions and their struggles. I believe that living for oneself is not enough, and that helping others is important. Time has played an important role in my life, and I have learned a lot from my experiences, including dealing with people’s negative comments and disappointments, facing a lack of education resources, and many other challenges. But I have always kept one thing in mind — never give up on your dreams, and keep pushing forward.
Success and failure are both part of life, and I am ready to face them both.
Failure
It is admirable that you have a positive attitude towards failure and see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Many successful people have faced failures in their lives, but they have never given up on their dreams and aspirations. Failure can be a powerful motivator to strive for success and to work harder towards achieving our goals. It is important to remember that failure is not the end, but rather a stepping stone towards success. Keep believing in yourself, stay persistent, and never give up on your dreams. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
Success
It’s wonderful to hear that you have a clear vision of your goals and targets in life. It’s also great that you recognize the value of being a positive influence on the lives of children, as they are our future. Keep working hard towards your goals, and continue to be a supportive friend to those around you. Your efforts and determination will surely lead you to even more success in the future.
It’s been a long journey with many ups and downs, successes and failures, but I am grateful for all of it. Each experience has shaped me into the person I am today, and I wouldn’t be here without them. I am proud of my accomplishments and the person I have become, but I know there is always room for growth and improvement. I will continue to strive towards my goals and work hard to make a positive impact on the world around me. Thank you for taking the time to read about my life journey.
“Khudi ko kar buland itna ke har taqdeer se pehle, kudha bande se kud poche bata teri raza kya hai”
Favorite one”(Allama Iqbal)
In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for taking the time to read my blog. I hope that you have enjoyed it and found it insightful. I would also like to invite any feedback or suggestions that you may have, as I recognize that there may be grammatical errors and areas for improvement. As the saying goes, “mistakes are proof that you are trying,” and I am committed to learning and growing from my mistakes. Thank you once again for your support and encouragement.
