Little did Heena know that in 2018, a programme called Emerging Young Global Citizens, by Rubaroo would be the beginning of the unprecedented change in her life. Heena currently works as Diet Coach, having completed her master’s and looks forward to new avenues, staying ever-connected with her peers and community. Her growth into a confident young woman is inspiring and stands out as she overthrows the stereotypes associated with her community. And today, we’ll dive into what was the switch for her growth.
Sowing the seeds of Global Citizenship
Stepping into the unknown, Heena reflects, “Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect in the workshop. A few writings, research, and all were what was in my mind. And what I find is the opposite. Welcomed by Neha and Rashmi, the workshop felt like a safe space, inclusive, and I learned a lot of things, such as conflict navigation, critical thinking, and understanding different perspectives through an activity – a world with a glass.”
Her proactive approach to learnings and engaging in conversations through the programme were appreciated by one and all, as she bagged recognition of Mr. Andrew Fleming, BDHC – Hyd. She credits this moment as the stepping stone for exploring more things and pushing her comfort zone. Hence, she participated in Agaaz-e-Baatcheet 2019 and continued her journey of learning.
“I learned that a lot of the religious conflicts that take place are not necessarily the result of a particular community being bad, but rather need to be carefully dissected through the layers of history and understand why different sects/communities are acting the way they’re, and why there is conflict – the root cause – in the first place.”
And the moment of being a Global Citizen
Heena believes that the epitome of her journey with Rubaroo was being selected for the SUSI Exchange Programme by the US State Department. Having gained exposure to interfaith issues, Heena took the learnings on the global stage and talked about important issues, especially on empowerment and economy while bridging the gap between faiths and genders. While the journey was unfolding, her biggest worry was not that about being selected, but rather about convincing her parents.
“I didn’t communicate with my parents about my daily chores because I feared what would happen. Since Rubaroo, I started expressing myself, openly communicating with my parents about the activities I’m doing, and they became my biggest supporters. Hence, when I applied for SUSI, my worry was not selection but rather permission to travel alone. I was scared and nervous because it never happened in my family, and to my surprise, my parents didn’t need much convincing, despite some members questioning. For me, it was what liberated me – to be myself.”
And this liberating experience came to fruition as she was now to lead a capstone project. She narrates, “While participating in the SUSI program, I was tasked with a Community Action Project, a challenge that felt like a dream come true. It took me back to 2018 when I was a participant in a workshop conducted by Rubaroo. Little did I know that, fast forward three years, I would find myself in a position to conduct a workshop as a facilitator on the powerful theme of “Women Empowerment: Break Through Barriers.”
What’s in store
Heena’s workshop’s impact was recognized by her SUSI host institution, FIUTS. But the journey doesn’t stop her as she continues to relive the learnings in her professional space as she makes patients comfortable and inclusive as a diet coach.
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