This article, written by Mariyam Hanan, won the 3rd prize for CSI x ETC’s writing competition titled Celebrating A Women In My Life. It is an article about how the women in Mariyam’s life are unlike most women today and how their qualities inspire her to be like them.

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In modern society, women seek validation. Unless and until someone recognises their effort and label it, most women tend to feel as though their role in society is underappreciated and undervalued.

I am not one of them and neither are the beautiful women in my life. The women in my life recognise their own worth. They are simple, patient, resilient, hardworking and selfless. They always put others before themselves—by choice and not because they have to. They have made countless sacrifices, a lot of which no one has ever heard or known about. It is because they do not need someone else to appreciate them. They are satisfied in knowing they did what they wanted to. They are satisfied in having done the right thing, even if it was done in the shadows where no one could see.


The women in my life, they do not need someone to make them feel loved. They are loved either way. Loved for their admirable character and moral values; the essentials that make up the core of who they are. Their discipline and faith radiate through their every action that is in fact, contagious. They never fail to leave a little good behind in every life they touch—an ever glow that lights up other people’s lives.

The women in my life, they are strong and powerful, yet they never abuse their power. They are soft hearted, warm, loving and speak words of kindness. They never dictate, but always guide. Hence, people are naturally drawn to their instructions and advice, listening and obeying out of respect—respect earned through the womens’ graceful personality.

The women in my life, they are modest. They live a humble life and never fish for compliments. They do not need praise for who they are or what they do. Everything and anything that is done, is done with sincerity and they seek no recognition for it.

The women in my life are simple and appreciate the minute details. They see value in the tiniest things and understand that every little fragment is important for the bigger picture to be complete. They are content doing work that is branded as basic because of their ability to comprehend the importance of getting the foundation right. They see no need in informing society of their everyday labour as they do not need the community’s approval, acceptance or acknowledgement.


The women in my life are steadfast in their beliefs and dreams. They never fail to believe in their ambitions and strive hard to reach their targets, time and time again. They grind hard to make their fantasies a reality and to help those around them realise that good things come to those who believe and work hard. If and when they reach their desired goal, they never boast. They always give thanks instead of casting to be flattered.

They women in my life constantly aspire to improve. They accept that they are flawed, but know they can always enrich themselves. They analyse and evaluate themselves through reflection, making adjustments accordingly. Their amendments never stop despite being lavished in praise and to me that is a beauty.

You see, the women in my life are not like most women today. In a society where people demand life to move fast, the women in my life carry on at their own pace. In a world where people can never have enough, the women in my life are grateful despite working to better our community. They do not require validation. They do not seek approval. They definitely do not demand to be glorified or praised. These women like the women in my life, are strong and independent women. The rare type of women, but the kind of woman I aspire to be.