Our Inspiration
Why unity is crucial to our purpose, drive and mission.
We believe that a single action can make a difference in a community and that collective action can greatly impact the world. That's why our primary goal is education. Educating young women allows for the growth of their nation and community which grants them the ability to self-advocate for their rights and acceptance. Through advocacy, we work tirelessly to provide this in our primary project in Pakistan in order to contribute our part to the greater good.
Belsem's Story
How one trip to Pakistan at 11 years old changed her perspective for the rest of her life.
"The minute I stepped off the plane, I already felt a sudden fascination and joy that would soon follow me on my journey throughout Pakistan. What I could not have expected was the emptiness I would feel when I met girls my age who spoke of their dreams and their inability to pursue them. Creating change, although most people would like to do so, can be extremely difficult. Thinking of a solution to this centuries-old problem at the young age of 13 was seemingly impossible. Instead, I did what I could there without speaking the language: buying them a few books, food, or small trinkets that I hope would incite a small smile on their faces. I truly saw my other half in them. They embodied my culture, and hopes for the future of Pakistan and eventually women everywhere. We were instantly connected despite the language barrier. I knew if I really tunneled my passion for helping others in a logistical, clear-headed way I would be able to help these girls by providing education. Finding the way I wanted to help them was the most important factor to me. I felt as though I was a foreign entity coming into a small community and advocating for an ideal that was not that common. I knew I would be quickly disregarded, and that's why I wanted to teach those who knew how to navigate their community best; the women there. Having a female-run, directed, and controlled environment for these girls to be encouraged and educated was a fundamental part of this foundation. Unity is a theme I cannot stress enough. I want that word to hold a lot of power because it deserves it. The idea of the unity of women across the world is so crucial to me and this foundation. It is how we rise. Join us As We Rise."
Love,
Belsem Aljobory and As We Rise Foundation
