Empowering Young Girls to Pursue Their Dreams

Picture this: A little girl, eyes filled with wonder, sketching characters for a story only she can see. She weaves entire worlds in her mind, yet as she grows up, all she hears is, ‘Focus on school. Get good grades. Secure a safe career.’ Slowly, the worlds(and words) she once created begin to fade. Her imagination, once boundless, is boxed into what is ‘practical.’ But what if we didn’t let that happen? What if we encouraged our daughters to dream with their eyes open, to believe their passions are worth pursuing—just as they are? When given the right opportunities and support, young girls can create something extraordinary—something that a traditional career path alone may never offer.

I would like to talk about some inspiring young girls who have made a mark for themselves in different fields just by following their passion. As you will see, age wasn’t a constraint for any of them. I will also share things I follow to help empower my little girl and how you can guide your daughter to achieve her dreams from a young age.

Young Girls Who Are Making a Mark

Ashleen Khela (Author)

Ashleen Khela is a shining example of what a young mind can achieve when given the right encouragement. She has established herself as a young author, proving that age should never be a barrier to success. Armed with her storywriting skills, determination and the right support, she has carved a space for herself, inspiring other young girls to pursue their dreams fearlessly.

Nazmeen Rashid (Artist)

Nazmeen Rashid is another young girl who is redefining success. She has demonstrated immense talent and business acumen, showing that young girls can achieve greatness with the right mindset and guidance. Her journey is a testament to the fact that talent, when nurtured, can flourish into something extraordinary.

Samaira Mehta (Tech Entrepreneur)

Samaira founded CoderBunnyz, a board game designed to teach kids how to code. By age 10, she had given talks at Google and Microsoft, inspiring other young girls to explore technology.

Encouraging Your Child to Think Beyond the Ordinary

What if your daughter has the potential to become a renowned author, a world-class artist, or a groundbreaking innovator? The opportunities are endless, but they begin with allowing her to dream and take action. Here’s how you can nurture her aspirations from as young as 3 years old:

• Recognise Her Strengths Early – Today, watch your daughter closely—what makes her eyes light up? That’s where her future could be. Pay close attention to what she loves doing. Whether it’s painting, writing, storytelling, or designing, encourage her to explore those interests freely.
• Introduce her to Role Models – Show her the journeys of young entrepreneurs and creatives who have achieved success early in life. Let her see that her dreams are achievable.
• Provide the Right Resources – Books, workshops, mentors, and courses can help her develop the skills needed to pursue her passion professionally. If you have a 3-5-year-old daughter, buy her this book.
• Encourage Experimentation – Allow her to try new things and explore different creative outlets without fear of failure.
• Support Her Dreams – Believe in her vision and provide her with the tools and opportunities to grow.

My Personal Promise

When I look at my daughter, I don’t just see a child—I see an artist, an author, a storyteller. She has been painting confidently since she was less than 18 months old, holding a brush in her hand and experimenting with colours like a pro. She loves learning to read and making up her own stories and has a vivid imagination. To help her follow her path, I made sure to buy her the right books. I also introduced her to kids who have achieved a lot at a young age. Last but not least, I give her a lot of free, unstructured time to practice her skills, especially at the tender ages of 2-5. Sometimes, encouraging a child to follow their dreams can be challenging, but when you look back, you will be proud of her (and yourself). I promise to help her achieve her dream of becoming an author/artist or anything else that lights up her soul, guiding her on the path she chooses.

Every little girl deserves the chance to chase her dreams without limitations. This Women’s Day, let’s give little girls the wings to fly and the courage to believe in themselves. The next great author, artist, or innovator might just be in your home—are you ready to help her shine?