The women’s majlis: We can be the change in the world

It saddens me that we live in a world where most people’s daily lives revolve around gossip and judgemental bickering. I want to be around dreamers with a passionate flair in their eyes. People who not only dream but turn their dreams into goals and have ways to accomplish them.

I have a dream, and perhaps not a simple one to grasp. I’ve been hushed, called a fool and laughed at for having one so vast, but I myself believe, like many others before me, that with unity, we’re able to accomplish ­anything. I want to bring back the light that we’ve lost; I want to push those out of the darkness that materialism has ­created.

We did this to ourselves. It’s rather upsetting that the topic of most conversations revolves around the latest trend, make-up, cars, money, etc. We’re allowing materialism to consume us and transform us into ignorant beings. I was in a classroom once when a question was asked: “Are there social classes in the UAE?” The obvious answer would be a resounding “Yes” – every society has social classes. Shockingly, someone stated, with confidence, that “everyone is rich in the UAE”.

Technological advances have allowed us to be more informed. We can access infinite knowledge with the click of a button, but it doesn’t seem like we’re all using it to our advantage.

We live in a world where people and organisations exist to advocate helping people, but not enough people have the passion and love for it. Our father Sheikh Zayed, the founding President of the UAE, is the epitome of what every person should strive to become like – someone who saw the hidden light that each and every one of us possesses, and who wanted kindness, generosity and love to be our motivators. But now, he’s no longer a role model for future generations. We’re starting to lose sight of him in between every fashion model, artist or movie star who we strive to be more like. We’re driven by jealousy, greed and hunger for more. Where have his teachings gone? If he were alive today, would he be proud of you as a person or would he look the other way in shame?

What we take to our graves are our actions. Not our latest cars, our expensive shoes or any material possessions. It’s the decisions we took, the words we said and the effect that we had on people that will matter. That’s how you’ll be remembered.

It’s not too late, though – we’re given a second chance every morning when we wake up. We still have the ability to turn this around and plant the seeds of generosity not only in our hearts, but in the hearts of future generations. We can change the world if we all believe in one another. We have the ability to make the lives of people easier – we can provide for them and, maybe one day, we can end ­poverty. We can and will make a ­difference.

* Mariam Ali AlMazrouie

• Mariam Ali AlMazrouie, 18, is a second-year psychology student and the founder of GHAF (Global Humanitarian Aid Foundation).

If you are an Emirati woman who has a good story to tell or an important issue to debate, contact Shireena Al Nowais on [e-mail]