“Change – from home to outside”
At 17, I was looking for an opportunity to volunteer for NGOs and gain experience. That’s when I stumbled upon Rubaroo via Instagram. Initially, dismissing it as just another NGO, it kept popping up on my feed, and finally, I decided to give it a shot – only to hear that I wasn’t eligible. But I kept my hopes high and made it happen – the next day, I was en route to the orientation camp. Little did I know that this decision would begin a journey into understanding gender inclusivity and social change.
Realizations and Reflections
On the first day of the camp, I regretted that it was just activities and yearned for something productive. Only later did I realise that those activities were essential in helping me explore gender and sexuality. Despite my initial apprehension, I engaged with the participants and the Rubaroo team.
One of the profound realisations I had during the Emerging Leaders Fellowship was regarding my understanding of gender and the power dynamics that influence it. Before joining the program, I believed in myself to be aware of gender issues as I had friends from the LGBTQ community. However, there was still an underlying sense of doubt and hesitancy in acknowledging and accepting their experiences.
When interacting with other participants and through the program, I grasped the power dynamic, privilege and its nuances, and their impact on marginalised communities. Through introspection, I was tangled in some stereotypes I had to let go of and embrace people as they were.
Change Begins at Home
This new understanding gripped me so much that I started thinking critically about movies and dissecting them. Not only that, I distinctly remember a moment at home when I challenged my parent’s stereotype of teasing my brother, taking longer to get ready comparatively. It irked me.
I sat down with them and explained that it’s fine for people to take their time regardless of gender. We needn’t judge or ridicule that person. It was a small yet significant step towards fostering gender inclusivity and compassion within my household.
After graduating from ELP, I interned for a couple of months – but had to leave as my exams approached. However, my learning journey soon resumed as I actively became involved in a local NGO, participating in projects on gender equality and social justice. I represented my country at the G20 event and contributed towards inculcating youth agency and empowerment.
Gratitude and Hope
Looking back, I can’t help but feel immense gratitude for the impact the opportunities had on my life. Rubaroo’s values resonated with me and continue to guide my actions and aspirations. As Rubaroo completes its ten years, I am hopeful for the future. I carry the lessons learned and the cherished memories that shaped me as a better person.
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