I want to go back to my country to help other girls. We need to

In the timeless struggle for justice and equality, there emerges a voice that refuses to remain silent, that rises with the strength of purpose and compassion. Sonita Alizadeh’s words, "I want to go back to my country to help other girls. We need to support girls to see other possibilities for themselves, to have a vision for their own future," echo the spirit of those throughout history who have fought not only for their own freedom, but for the freedom of others. Her vision is one of empowerment, a call to arms against the oppressive forces that seek to limit the potential of young girls by trapping them in cycles of ignorance and despair. Alizadeh seeks to give girls the gift of vision, to help them see that they, too, can shape their own destinies.

In the ancient world, such wisdom was imparted through sacred rites and stories, passed down from elder to youth, from parent to child. The Greeks believed in the transformative power of education, for it was the enlightenment of the mind that allowed individuals to rise above the shackles of their environment and achieve greatness. Plato, in his dialogues, speaks of the importance of nurturing the soul and vision of youth, to guide them toward a better future, one where their potential is not defined by their birth but by their ability to imagine and create. Alizadeh’s mission, to help girls see new possibilities, reflects the ancient belief that the future belongs to those who are taught to dream and believe in their own strength.

Consider the story of Nadia Murad, the Yazidi woman who, after enduring the horrors of war and trafficking, returned to her community to help other women and girls see a future beyond the devastation. Her courage in the face of unimaginable loss echoes Alizadeh’s words: healing is not just about the individual, but about the collective rise of the oppressed. Murad’s return to her people, her efforts to advocate for the empowerment of women, is a modern-day version of the same wisdom that the ancients imparted—that each person has a role to play in lifting others and restoring hope.

In the same way, Alizadeh's desire to return to her country and inspire other girls to visualize a brighter future speaks to a deeply human need: the need to give back. In the Old Testament, the figure of Moses led the Israelites out of slavery, not just for their own benefit, but to establish a society where every person could experience freedom and dignity. Like Moses, Alizadeh seeks not only to break free from the chains of oppression but to help others achieve the same liberation. Her efforts to support girls, to help them realize they have a future beyond the limitations of their current reality, are grounded in the ancient wisdom that liberation is most complete when it is shared with others.

This quest for empowerment—to provide others with the tools, knowledge, and belief in themselves—is a thread that runs throughout history. Mahatma Gandhi taught that true freedom comes not from the overthrow of rulers but from the liberation of the individual’s mind. Similarly, Alizadeh’s work is an effort to free the minds of young girls—to give them the vision of their own power, to show them that they can change their world. When girls are taught to believe in themselves, they become the architects of their own futures, able to break the cycles of oppression that have held them back.

The lesson here is both personal and collective: we must each strive to be agents of change, not only in our own lives but in the lives of others. The future is shaped by those who dream of something greater, who dare to see the world differently and work toward a vision that includes everyone. Like Alizadeh, we must believe that each person, regardless of their past or circumstances, has the potential to create a future filled with possibilities. Our duty is not only to see the potential in ourselves but to help others see their own. When we help others rise, we all rise together.

The practical action, therefore, is to not only pursue our own dreams but to actively work to empower those around us, especially those who are marginalized or oppressed. Whether it is through education, mentorship, or simply showing support, we must be committed to helping others see the vast possibilities of their own futures. Like Alizadeh, we can be agents of change, guiding the next generation to realize their potential and break free from the constraints that have been imposed upon them. Through community, education, and action, we shape a future where every individual, especially young girls, can stand tall and envision a life of purpose and freedom.