by Cindy Victor
Through three generations of women, Cindy discovers strength, identity, and the power of shared wisdom.
My sister and I are of Pakistani origin but were raised in Hong Kong, while my mother and grandmother were both born and brought up in Pakistan. They grew up in a society where, even today, women are often denied equal opportunities or importance as men. Yet rather than dividing us, these differences have drawn us closer. The blend of our cultural identities offers me a window into what my life might have been like had I grown up in Pakistan. The contrast in people, customs, and social norms has shaped how we each think and view the world. Still, we continuously impact one another and grow through shared experiences.
Every female figure in my family has been a source of strength and inspiration. My elder sister, born in Pakistan but raised in Hong Kong, has taught me independence and self-reliance. From my mother, I’ve learned to be selfless and driven. I’ve always admired how she looks out for others—whether it’s warning a stranger about an untied shoelace or helping someone in need in the community. My aunt has shown me the power of boldness. As a young teacher, she made sure her voice was heard and stood firm in her beliefs. That courage encourages me to speak up—even when my views differ from others.
My grandmother, who wasn’t able to complete her education, has always urged me to pursue mine. Her circumstances in the 1950s—when girls were expected to become homemakers—meant she married in her late teens. But she made sure her daughters had more opportunities, sending my mother and aunt to boarding school for a proper education. My grandmother’s quiet strength motivates me to persist in my studies and push forward, even through uncertainty.
These four women—my sister, mother, aunt, and grandmother—empower me. They give me confidence that, no matter what I face, I can turn to them for wisdom, guidance, and support. Although I belong to a different generation, I feel a deep connection with the women before me. We continue to uphold the family values of love, resilience, and mutual upliftment. I hope these values will be passed down to future generations of girls and women in my family.
As society has evolved, so too has our family’s view of a woman’s role. With time, my extended family came to recognise that women are more than homemakers—they are thinkers, leaders, and contributors. Today, the younger generation in my family is involved in household decisions and their voices are heard and respected.
Being part of the younger generation, I have the chance to introduce fresh perspectives to my mother, aunt, and grandmother. I see now how we each play a vital role in one another’s lives—learning from each other, inspiring one another, and growing together. Each generation brings a different approach to handling everyday challenges, conflicts, and emotional bonds.
Take conflict resolution, for example. My mother is soft-spoken but never afraid to express herself. I, on the other hand, tend to panic or get flustered before I can gather my thoughts. As the youngest of three, I haven’t experienced the same need to lead or take charge in the way my mother and grandmother did. Still, we share deep emotional ties.
While I’ve learned to follow my heart because of her, I also hope to show her the importance of staying open to new opportunities and embracing change. In that way, our relationship is a two-way street—we learn from and adapt to each other.
For me, maintaining a strong bond with the women in my family is essential. Through the stories, experiences, and lessons passed down from generation to generation, we form deeper connections. Even when generational gaps emerge, recognising our shared commitment to family values strengthens our sense of empowerment. By honouring the resilience of past generations and embracing the potential of those to come, we create a lasting legacy—one shaped by love, strength, and the shared wisdom of women. ■
Cindy Victor, 19, is interested in photography, fashion, and creative writing, She is looking forward to completing her tertiary education in a field relevant to art.