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Let me share the story of Patricia, a woman farmer from Malawi,Africa. Patricia didn’t just farm for income; she cultivated nutritious crops like chickpeas to feed her children. Her dedication was evident when she spent an entire Christmas Day meticulously planting her seeds—75 centimeters apart in each row and 10 centimeters between each plant—while the rest of her village celebrated nearby.

You might expect someone so hardworking to be thriving, but the reality was quite different. Despite her efforts, Patricia struggled to find success. The government frequently offered training programs on crop yields and technology, but she could never attend. Between farming and household responsibilities, it was her husband who had the opportunity to participate in these programs. In their patriarchal society, he also controlled their finances and their only mobile phone, limiting Patricia’s access to vital resources and support. As a result, despite her relentless dedication, she remained on the sidelines of agricultural success.

This story is drawn from The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates. When I read it, one thing became clear: Patricia lacked representation in matters crucial to her success. It made me wonder what she could have done differently. Perhaps she could have spoken up or attended programs despite the challenges, or engaged more with others in agriculture to find solutions that worked better in the field.

This made me reflect on my own life and the importance of speaking up, of having our voices heard. Like Patricia, we can be so focused on working hard that we fade into the background, our perspectives unnoticed. Without making ourselves heard, our unique insights and needs can easily be overlooked and forgotten. Not only does this hinder our own success, but it also leaves future generations of marginalized people less equipped with the tools and voices they need to succeed.

Therefore I started writing to ensure my voice and opinions are documented, read, and heard—even if only by a few. That way, when someone like Patricia needs to hear a different perspective, she can find it.