Everyone has dreams. Whether it’s something simple, like craving an ice cream of your favorite flavor, or something more complex, like wishing for another day to live, we all dream. But here’s something I always remind myself: only dreams born of good intentions lead to desired outcomes.

Turning dreams into reality demands effort, time, and persistence. Every goal has its challenges, but that shouldn’t stop us from dreaming. We must face the difficulties, endure the journey, and grow through the experience.

But not every dream comes true, and not everyone has the privilege to dream freely. I’m talking about those whose dreams are crushed because society doesn’t deem them important enough. In particular, I speak of my sisters—women from across the country and around the world.

We often fail to recognize the disparity in the ability to dream. For many, dreams are bound by the privilege of safety, education, and opportunity. But what about the women who live in constant fear? Those whose days are consumed by the battle for basic rights, let alone the space to dream for themselves?

The Everyday Struggles of My Sisters

Do we even know what kind of dreams they have? Do they even dare to dream? The answer is often no. How can my sisters dream when they are busy fulfilling someone else’s? Their only dream now is to live in a safe, protective environment, to be able to breathe peacefully. Their only luxurious dream is safety.

Safety—something many of us take for granted—becomes a luxury for women in hostile environments. Whether it's the fear of violence in public spaces, domestic abuse behind closed doors, or systemic oppression in their communities, these women face barriers that many of us cannot fully comprehend. Their dreams don’t reach for the stars; they reach for survival.

Adding to their struggles, early marriages in some parts of the country continue to rob young girls of their dreams. According to UNICEF, more than one in five girls are married before the age of 18 in some regions. Imagine being told your future was decided before you even had the chance to dream for yourself. A child who should be in school, exploring her potential, is thrust into the role of a wife and, often, a mother. The cycle of unfulfilled dreams continues, leaving little room for personal aspirations.

And yet, we have failed. I have failed. We’ve failed to protect their dreams, to help them overcome the obstacles in their path. It's not enough to be aware of their struggles; we need to act. If we can’t lend a hand to those burdened by oppressive systems, how can we claim to stand for equality and justice?

A Call for Action

But it’s not too late. We can still take a stand. They can still dream. Yes, it’s difficult, but it’s not impossible. Together, we can make their dreams possible by supporting those who need our help. It starts with being aware, raising our voices, and not shying away from uncomfortable conversations.

What can we do? First, we need to educate ourselves on the challenges our sisters face. Second, we need to raise awareness and push for systemic change—whether it's through advocating for policies that protect women, donating to causes that empower them, or simply listening to their stories and amplifying their voices. Lastly, we need to be allies—not just in words but in action.

Ending practices like early marriages is a crucial step. By working with communities, educating families, and creating economic opportunities, we can break this cycle. When young girls are given the chance to stay in school and build their futures, they are empowered to dream and achieve on their terms. This is not just about changing their lives—it’s about transforming entire societies.

The Strength of My Sisters

Dreams can be as simple as living another day. My sisters fight for that every single day, and yet they never give up. The courage they possess is far greater than ours. But standing strong for so long, alone, can be exhausting.

I admire the resilience of these women who, despite the odds stacked against them, continue to push forward. Their strength is an inspiration, a reminder that no matter how bleak the circumstances, there is always hope. Take, for example, the story of a young girl who escaped an early marriage, pursued her education, and now works to help other girls avoid the same fate. These stories of triumph remind us of the boundless potential women hold when given the chance.

But we cannot let them fight alone. Eventually, fear takes over. The same fear we once fought becomes stronger than us. And there are always those waiting to take advantage of our fear, to crush our dreams. Those who profit from our silence, who thrive in a world where only a few can afford to dream freely.

Can we really let our sisters’ dreams be shattered? Can we afford to lose more sisters? Can we stand by while their dreams slip away?

Defining Our Own Dreams

A dream is something you wish to do with your life, for your life. Someone else’s perspective cannot be my dream. Someone else’s thoughts cannot define my dreams. Most importantly, someone else’s dreams cannot replace my own.

We often grow up being told what we should dream of—success defined by wealth, status, or power. But dreams, at their core, are personal. They are about what fulfills you, not what society deems worthy. And the same holds true for my sisters. Their dreams should be their own, free from the constraints imposed by others.

It takes immense courage to dream and even more to bring that dream to life. And it’s okay to ask for help in making those dreams come true. We often hear the phrase "self-made," but no one truly makes it alone. Support, community, and collective strength are what turn dreams into reality.

Don’t Let Good Dreams Die

Don’t let the dreamers with good hearts and their good dreams die. Push harder, overcome the obstacles, and be a voice—not just for yourself but for others too. We must recognize that every dream, no matter how small, holds value. And in a world where so many dreams are at risk of being silenced, it is our duty to keep them alive.

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