Ever since I was a young girl visiting Pakistan with my parents, I observed that our household maid would bring her daughters along to help clean the house. This sparked my curiosity about why these girls were not attending school. I soon realized that these young girls were following in their mother's footsteps as part of a generational tradition. Their great-grandmothers, grandmothers, and mothers had all been maids, and it seemed predetermined that they would become maids as well. Financial constraints prevented them from pursuing an education, and there was a prevailing belief that there was little value in schooling since their future was already set in the same profession. This troubled me deeply from the tender age of 7, and as I ventured out into the streets, the sight only reinforced my concerns.
It has always been deeply troubling for me, something that has disturbed my feelings towards women and children. In England we are fortunate to have the opportunity for education, yet it pains me to see that in other countries, the situation is vastly different. It feels incredibly unjust because these bright and intelligent young girls possess the capability, but due to challenging personal circumstances at home, they are unable to pursue an education.
Since childhood, it has been ingrained in me as my purpose to assist young women and children in acquiring skills or encouraging them to pursue education. I have been involved in numerous mentorship programs over the years, particularly through my work with Mosaic and the Princess Trust, as detailed in my biography. This remains a mission close to my heart, and my current way of giving back involves allocating a percentage of proceeds from every product I create toward girls' education in Pakistan. This holds personal significance as it is the homeland of my parents and part of my heritage.
My passion for jewellery runs deep within me, but my greater purpose lies in helping children, fostering their education and life skills, and striving to make the world a better place. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity for education and the chance to pursue their aspirations. I see myself as a facilitator and connector, aiming to make a meaningful difference. I hope that the jewellery you choose to buy will not only make a difference but will also change lives for the better across the globe.
If you would like to support education in Pakistan, please feel free to donate to The Citizens Foundation by using this link. https://www.tcf-uk.org/
