How to Claim Your Voice When The World Expects You To Be Silent

5 Ways To Confidently Raise Your Feminine Voice

When The World Expects You To Be Silent

I remember the day my husband said, "We're moving to America. I got my dream job!". We waited three years for the news, and we were so excited. As a computer scientist with a PhD, I left my job at one of the most prestigious universities in the country to start our American dream.

So in 2015, my husband, myself, and my two young kids, my son Abrar and my daughter Nadrah jumped on an aeroplane from Malaysia and flew all the way to California.

So here I am in a new country, and I knew that I wanted to be there for my children. At the same time, I had skills, talents and expertise that I wanted to maximize. Still, I just couldn't imagine working in a cubicle at Google from 9- 5! So I had to figure out the perfect job to stay home and work while looking after the kids.

As I was exploring what I could best apply my talents to, one weekend, I went to Wholefoods (a very posh store) to do my grocery. As I was picking up my vegetables, a middleaged white guy approached me. He asked, "Are you a Muslim?". He probably assumed that I wore the hijab or the head covering as part of my Muslim identity.

I replied, "Yes, I am!". He then said, "I've read the Quran and the Quran says that jihad is permissible. So, are you going to blow yourself up?".

In my mind, I was thinking, "Dude, the Quran is in Arabic! Do you even know how to read Arabic?". However, I told him, "No, I'm here to do my grocery. I'm also a mom; I wouldn't do that".

He persisted, quipping, "So, if you're not a mom, are you going to blow yourself up in the name of Islam?". At that point, I was speechless, and I could feel my body shaking with anxiety. All I could reply to this guy was, "I'm gonna pay up my groceries and leave".

As an Asian, immigrant, hijab-wearing Muslim woman, society has a preconceived notion about me. Terrorist, suicide bomber, refugees are an almost common association for being a Muslim.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) states that in 2019, 55.8% of hate crimes were motivated by race, ethnicity and ancestry bias. I had a really challenging time overcoming social adversity in California while still staying true to my principles and values.

I have learned that the revolution to overcoming social adversity isn't to blend, change, conform, or transform yourself to fit the preconceived notion of society's checklist but rather to be proud and courageous of your roots and heritage. There is an invisible strength when you stay true to your principles, values and identity.

No woman should ever have to be afraid of who they are. Each woman should have the freedom and confidence for their voice to be heard without prejudice. Today, I help female leaders share their voice in prestigious global platforms worldwide, such as on TED, Forbes, Media, TV, magazines, high profile interviews, and speaking engagements.

Throughout my journey of overcoming social adversity as a marginalized woman, I have learned these five real-life tips that have helped me to stay strong and confident and share my voice.

#1- Be proud and courageous of your roots and heritage

Don't be tempted to blend, change, conform or transform yourself to fit the preconceived notion of society's checklist. The strength of your voice comes when you stand in your power. Embrace your uniqueness because you are the prize!

#2- Grounding work

Prayers are an essential part of my spirituality and soul alignment. I would literally put my head on the ground and pray five times a day. I believe that when you're being guided by the Divine, there will always be peace and abundance in your life.

#3- Stay loyal to your dreams

When you stay loyal to your dreams, you'll see that your dreams will come alive despite what society says. The mind is a powerful creator and magnet for your dreams. Stay in your course and take small actions every day, and you'll see the manifestation of your dreams no matter how big it is.

#4- The best team

I always surround myself with my trusted circle of friends and team. I choose not to be with dream crushers and stick with the people willing to help fight for my dreams. My dreams are precious, and when you have the best people fighting to help youstay on track, you're already a step closer to winning your championship.

#5- Be visible

It's tempting to hide in the background,but when you're hiding, the world can't see or hear you. Take the leap of faith and start putting yourself out there. The more courageous and confident you are with your principles, heritage and identity, the more people will begin to accept you exactly the way you are. How can they not when you are leading with your heart?

Since practising these five tips, it has helped me overcome many forms ofadversity. Not only that, I'm more confident in my voice; my message and story have now been seen on the iconic Forbes, FOX TV, magazines, high profile interviews and speaking engagements, as well as on the prestigious TEDplatform. I have also shared my stories in multiple Bestseller books such as WomenWho Lead, in which Jack Canfield gave a review on the front cover.

I hope my story will inspire you to be more confident and courageous in your own voice despite your background. Izdihar Jamil

Dr Izdihar Jamil, Ph.D. is an immigrant, Asian, hijab wearing Muslimcomputer scientist turned media expert.

She is an 9 x #1 International Bestselling Author of It Is Done, Yes I Can! And Women Who Lead and has spoken on hundreds of prestigious events and interviews all around the world.

She was featured on Forbes, Fox TV, NBC, CBS, ABC, CW, Thrive Globaland hundreds of media and publications.

In 2021, Izdihar was inducted into the prestigious Marquis Who’s Who biography in recognizing her contribution as the top 5% in the industry with Warren Buffet and Oprah.

She is an influential trailblazer and an inspirational leader in helping female entrepreneurs to be the #1 go-to expert in their fields with her simple, no-fuss methods.

She has helped over 100 people to be a #1 international bestselling author, get in the media, magazines, high profile interviews and publications.

Izdihar lives in California with her husband and three kids and in her spare time she loves reading and baking for her family.