I want a future where my children feel safe and appreciated and proud to be who they are. My heart is one with all the Arab Spring heroes, no matter how small they think their role is. I know they believe, like me, that we are working for a world whereby an Arab can live with the other in a respectful and dignified way.
Interpretation
The quote expresses a desire for a future where children feel safe and respected in their identities, reflecting on the importance of dignity and unity among people.
Tawakkol Karman's quote emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and proud environment for future generations, particularly in the context of social and political change, like that seen during the Arab Spring. It highlights the collective effort of individuals, regardless of how small their contributions may seem, in striving for a world where respect and dignity prevail among all people, promoting unity and understanding across cultural divides.
In practice
In a speech highlighting the importance of community support and empathy for children's growth.
I discovered that wearing the veil is not suitable for a woman who wants to work in activism and the public domain. People need to see you, to associate and relate to you. It is not stated in my religion to wear the veil; it is a traditional practice, so I took it off.
I would like the world to know that Yemeni women are strong, and if empowered, they can achieve. The world needs to look beyond stereotypes and dress code. In our hearts, we are just human beings who want to live a dignified life. Is that too much to ask for?
I have always believed that resistance against repression and violence is possible without relying on similar repression and violence. I have always believed that human civilization is the fruit of the effort of both women and men.
Change is never easy, and it often creates discord, but when people come together for the good of humanity and the Earth, we can accomplish great things.
I'm not going to change the world overnight. It's one person at a time, and hopefully they're people in positions of power who can help people get in those roles and really, truly embrace colorblind casting.
Nothing is constant but change! All existence is a perpetual flux of "being and becoming!" That is the broad lesson of the evolution of the world.
We have a normal. As you move outside of your comfort zone, what was once the unknown and frightening becomes your new normal.
If you walk into a room, and there is no one that's not like you there, whether it's a woman or a person of color, anyone that's different from you, you should be able to say this is a problem. We need allies in that room to say that video, this room, this company, these ideas, this film, this whatever, this is not right - this is not good enough.
You've got to acknowledge what you did wrong and see if you can fix it to the extent possible, and turn the page.
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