As a young girl, born and raised in Pakistan, the matter of opportunity has always played a decisive role in key aspects of my life. The lack of upward mobility for the majority of citizens, compared with the privileged paths of the few— in developing countries is well documented. However, such headline journalism fails to capture the varying psychology and nuances that affect teenagers— especially females— in such countries. Over the past 17 years, countless conversations with friends and family helped me recognize that I am not alone, and many girls my age experience the same duality of incredible hope as we build towards our individual futures.
This anthology expresses the various perspectives and experiences of young girls living in Pakistan, building a united front in the one common