Roya’s dream of a different reality
Roya relocated to the UK with her family last year when her husband secured a job opportunity with the help of Talent Beyond Boundaries.
Departing from their homeland was undoubtedly a tough choice, driven primarily by necessity. As we journey through March, we're eager to spotlight the incredible and resilient women within our global community who have courageously navigated challenging decisions for the betterment of themselves, their families, and their communities. It's our privilege to honour these remarkable women and provide a platform for them to share their inspiring stories. We approached Roya, who opted to remain anonymous but graciously agreed to share her story.
My name is Roya, and I am originally from the beautiful region of Kurdistan, Iran. I hold a degree in Software Engineering, a field that I am deeply passionate about. My family and I relocated to the United Kingdom a year ago, seeking new opportunities and a fresh start. We embarked on this journey together with undeterred determination and a yearning for a better future.
Being a woman in any part of the world comes with its own unique set of challenges, and in Iran, navigating the conservative culture adds an extra layer of difficulty. From challenging traditional norms to overcoming familial expectations, the journey to education for Iranian women is often filled with obstacles.
As I finished high school, the next step seemed clear: pursuing higher education. However, gaining acceptance from both universities and my family proved to be an uphill battle. In a society where personal decisions often require familial approval, the simple act of pursuing my dreams felt like an insurmountable task.
I vividly recall the moment I received my university acceptance letter, only to have my family dismiss my aspirations. Their words hit me like a sudden storm, shattering my hopes and leaving me in darkness. The dream of obtaining a degree and building a career felt distant and unattainable.
Amidst the despair, there was a beacon of hope—my mother. A pillar of strength and resilience, she stood by my side, unwavering in her support. Her belief in my potential fueled my determination to defy societal expectations and pursue my education against all odds.
But I couldn't help but wonder about those who lacked such support. Countless women in Iran face similar challenges, their dreams silenced by the weight of tradition and societal norms. Their voices, often unheard and their hearts broken, serve as a poignant reminder of the obstacles women continue to face in my country. Yet, despite the hurdles, I refuse to be defined by limitations. My journey is a testament to the resilience of women everywhere and our ability to overcome adversity and carve our own paths, no matter the obstacles in our way.
In the end, being a woman in Iran is not just about facing challenges—it's about finding the strength to defy them, challenge the status quo, and inspire change. As I continue my journey, I hope that one day, every woman in Iran will have the opportunity to pursue her dreams unencumbered by societal expectations.
As a displaced woman, each day unfolded like a new chapter in my life. Amidst the chaos of displacement, my dreams seemed like distant stars in a dark sky, seemingly impossible to reach. Yet, I refused to surrender to despair.
Finding TBB marked a turning point—it was like a light in the darkness of uncertainty. We refused to accept a life without freedom, a life constrained by societal expectations and restrictive cultural norms.
For us, freedom meant more than just physical liberation—it meant the liberation of the mind and the soul. In a country where even our thoughts were not our own, where dissent was met with punishment, and fear lurked in every corner, we dared to dream of a different reality.
Equality and women's rights are not just important. They are essential. As a woman who has been displaced, I understand how crucial it is to be treated the same as everyone else, regardless of gender. In many places around the world, women are not given the same opportunities as men. This needs to change. As women, we all have the right to express our thoughts freely, follow our dreams, and live on our own terms. We should not be silenced or held back simply because of our gender.
My message to other women, especially those who have been displaced, is this: Never give up on your rights. Keep raising your voice and standing up for what you believe in. Remember: you are strong, your voice matters, and you deserve every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue your dreams.
Roya.
