Thanks, Mummy Papa For Raising Me As A Fighter; This Cruel World Can’t Shatter Me

In a patriarchal society, where women are seen as a liability and often raised to compromise, adjust, and suffer in silence, here is a powerful open letter by a daughter. She thanks her parents for raising her as a fighter, whom the cruel world couldn’t shatter.

Dear Mummy & Papa, 

Thank you for raising me right.

I couldn’t be more thankful for all that you have done for me, and all the love you have given me that I can now pour into others. But, the most important thing that I am grateful for is how you invested almost 28 years of your life in raising me as a strong and independent daughter. Even though our patriarchal society kept criticizing or warning you for giving me freedom, you never paid any attention to those negative voices. You never gave up on raising a daughter, who stands for herself, even is she has to stand alone.

Through this open letter, I just want to thank you for all the things that patriarchal society never wanted you to teach me, but you still did.  And, here is just a quick list that shows how good a job you did while raising me: 

Never Be Scared Of Log Kya Kahengey 

Thanks, Ma Pa for raising me as a fighter who doesn’t care what people have to say about my life choices. It amazes me how there are so many independent girls around me who still think twice before doing things that make them happy. Why? Because they think about what people will say? What their relatives will say? What their family will say? But thanks to you, I don’t care about what people have to say. I live by my own principles. And, anyone who has been living in our patriarchal society, will know how much strength does a woman has to show to live life on her own terms.

The other day, when uncle and aunty asked you to pressurize me for getting married as I was 28 and soon would be reaching my expiry date. I felt so proud when you told them I don’t need to get married to be labeled as settled.  

Thanks For Showing How Women Should Be Treated

Dad, thank you for showing me how a woman should be treated. Thanks for showing us that domestic chores know no gender. And, it doesn’t make you less a man if you wash utensils or do laundry. Thanks to both of you for teaching me what equality at home looks like! Thanks for showing me that in any relationship you need both love and respect! 

Make Yourself Priority Before Anyone Else

It is heartbreaking how our society expects its daughter to dedicate their whole lives to their husband, kids, or family. And the ones who show courage to live life for themselves are labeled as selfish. Thanks, Ma and Pa for teaching me that living life for my own happiness doesn’t make me selfish. I should never entertain a regressive thought of compromising and sacrifice my own happiness just because I am a woman. 

Respect Those Who Give You Respect

Thanks for teaching me that someone who doesn’t respect me, doesn’t deserve my respect. In the patriarchal society like ours, where we are told to respect people based on their age and not on their actions, thanks for teaching me how to respect actions and not age. It is amazing how often our regressive uncle and aunty complain to you about my lack of respect for them and their patriarchal thoughts, but you never cared! 

ALSO READ: Dear Mother-In-Law: Respect Is Two Way Street; When You Can’t Respect Me Then Don’t Expect It Back

Love Yourself Even When Society Tries To Shame You

Since my childhood, you told me never to align myself with the shallow idea of beauty, that society tries to inject in us. You always taught me when the world tells you that you are not tall enough or slim enough or not pretty enough, but you show them the middle finger and move forward. Because the real beauty is in kindness, courage, and determination!

Raise Your Voice Against Injustice

While many parents raise their daughters to be educated, many forget to teach them to raise their voice against injustice. They are told to stay silent about the abuse – be it from a stranger or a family member. But you not only gave me a voice to stand for myself, but also for others. Thanks for teaching me that it isn’t okay to suffer the abuse in silence, even if the abuser is your family. 

ALSO READ: Why We Need To Stop Telling Daughters To Lower Down Their Voices; Rather Let Them Raise It Louder

Never Be Scared To Stand Alone

Last but not the least, I am so grateful to you for raising me to stand for myself. Even if that means I had to stand alone. I don’t need people to fight for me or take a stand for my dignity. Thanks to you, I am a fighter who knows how to fight this patriarchal society without giving up! 

Ma & Pa, Thanks for everything! It’s only because of you that your daughter could fight against this cruel world without getting shattered or broken. Thanks for raising me right!

Love, 

Your Unbreakable Daughter