Why I Choose to Stand Up: The Power of Purpose-Driven Advocacy

Throughout my journey, as a feminist advocate, youth leader, dramatist, and writer, one truth has anchored me: Purpose sustains passion.

I’ve faced resistance, from being called “too idealistic” to being labelled for supporting gender equality. Yet, every challenge reaffirmed my belief that progress requires persistence.

Advocacy taught me resilience, negotiation, and public engagement, but most importantly, it taught me courage. The courage to stand alone when it’s easier to stay silent, and to keep standing even when change feels slow.

Purpose-driven advocacy is not about perfection; it’s about persistence. Every project I’ve led from WordsWithChange to GirlUp to my MUN initiatives has been guided by the same mission: to leave people and places better than I found them.

If there’s one message I hope readers take from my story, it’s this: You don’t need to be fearless to lead; you just need to begin.