WHO SAYS GOOD GIRLS DON’T GET THEIR HAND
Written by Almanar Albastaki Edited by Vijaya Chikamane Designed by Maryam AlHashmi
Y
“Daughter of university- What is the daughter of the university doing here?” “What’re you doing there?”
Fact:
Insects are very important. They help to transfer the pollen from plant to plant.
“There are snakes and scorpions here you know, you shouldn’t be picking and moving things around, why don’t you ask the workers for
H EL
“What do you mean you’re working here? This is no place for students, no place for girls”
G Fact:
Earthworms work hard at keeping our soil clean by pulling down organic material and recycling it into fresh nutrient filled soil.
R I
Ls
R
When I started working in the Kulna garden these were some of the things I would hear often. As well meaning and helpful as the staff and security at the University are, they were just not used to seeing a female student working on the grounds, hands covered in soil, amongst the bugs and glistening with sweat. I must have been a sight!
I won’t deny that I found it frustrating. The interruptions and questions about why I was outside were annoying but I just focused on my work in the garden. And the truth is I love that space and enjoy
the time I spend there so it doesn really feel like work. Even when I’m organizing old container pots and watering the small seedlings, there is something peaceful about being in the garden. And after a
while people got used to seeing me there. It’ even heartwarming now how they know me, offer help and wonder where I am if they don’t see me in the garden.
W
We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like.We like.We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like. We like.
I know it’s a com stereotype that “gi to get their hands outdoors with the of our female stud to overcome this. I working with Kuln years now and I st when I see the loo on someone’s face figure out ‘what ar students doing out
A
mmon irls don’t like dirty, or work soil” and many dents have had I have been na for over two till find it funny oks of confusion e as they try and re those t there’
T
WHAT !
H
But the thing about stereotypes is that if people see something different, something that goes against the grain, the stereotype begins to fade, and truth takes over. The truth is that working with Kulna has been hard, authentic, collaborative, meaningful and filled with self-discovery. It’s been community building. And all of that is you know
WORK
GIRL’S
Fact: Sunlight is very important to any garden. It helps the plants to grow. However, some flowers cannot survive in direct sunlight because the heat is too intense and actually will burns them.
«Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it›s the only thing that ever has.» Margaret Mead Has the story left you inspired? You and All Of Us (Kulna) can contribute to a positive and sustainable change by taking the I GROW SEEDS campaign pledge. Scan the QR code and check out the Kulna’s instagram page. Please check out more stories at www.kulna.me.