Meet Nadia from Peshawar who has become a source and symbol of tremendous inspiration for many girls throughout the country.
Belonging to a humble background, Nadia wanted to support her family any way she could. Following her parents’ divorce, she decided to take matters into her own hand, and do something not many in her community could’ve dreamt of – learn to drive a motorcycle to support her mother and siblings.
She taught herself how to drive one when she was 16, and started off with doing simple errands.
Shops from Nadia’s house were far away and by foot, and going back and forth to them could’ve ended up taking a lot of time. Nadia decided to save the time by going on a bike instead and shop for groceries.
When she first took up driving, and that too at a rather young age, the 16-year-old recalls that she got a mixed response from the community initially. Nadia says that many people supported her when she rode the bike for the first time.
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However, there were some who were against her riding the bike. They wanted her to stop. However, given her circumstances and her unwavering will, Nadia decided that she will not stop supporting her family and that was her choice to make.
Nadia has four siblings and her grandparents live with her. Her mother got divorced when she was little. As a result, there was no one to look after the needs of her family.
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Nadia went to school until the third grade. After that, her family couldn’t afford to send her to school anymore as they had to pay the rent of the house every month.
Nadia says that she wanted to study further and join the armed forces but their financial status didn’t allow her to pursue her dreams.
Nadia works as a maid at different houses as well, hoping to support her family in every way she can. Nadia’s mother also works as a maid so that they can support their living.
Nadia says that her brother is an addict and wants her to stop riding the bike because his friends taunt him for that. However, Nadia says that she will continue her work because she wants to look after the needs of her family.
Via BBC
