Abeera

What would you like the world to know about YOU? What life experience, challenge or achievement do you want to share? What obstacles have you faced and overcome?

I grew up thinking that I am not beautiful. And as a girl in her early teens, it hit me a lot. I am brown and people of my region think only a fair color is beautiful. My mother is extremely fair and people would look at her and look at me and then they'd make a face that depicts how sorry they feel for me. It took me a lot of time to realize that I am beautiful in my own skin color and I don't have to change it.

I am a writer. I wrote my first poem when I was 15 because Augustus Waters died. In 2017, I used to send my poems to this online company thinking they would post my stuff but i was rejected every single time. One day, I became angry and made my own Instagram handle to share my poetry. This is probably the best decision I have ever made in anger.

What's your definition of success?

My definition of success is inspiring people.

How have the women and girls around you helped you to get to where you are today?

My mother and sister and best friends have been extremely supportive of me. I don't think I can thank them enough!

Looking externally into the public sphere, what female public figure inspires you the most to achieve your dreams?

Rupi Kaur. She is the first brown woman whose book got so many accolades and I just love her.

Complete this sentence: "To be a girl or woman today, is to be... Yourself