Who is a woman in your life who you admire? — Assembly

In Assembly’s “Around the world” series, girls sound off on the topics that matter to them, from the companies they’re dreaming up to the issues they wished more leaders talked about.

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“I admire my orchestra teacher. She has provided such a loving, encouraging, safe space in which I feel comfortable making mistakes. She doesn’t focus on perfection but on making music. I love how when I’m with her, I don’t have to worry about receiving an off-hand rude comment or feeling unsafe or unloved.”

— Delaney, 17, U.S.

“Born in Quetta, Pakistan, my dadi (grandmother), Saroj Chopra, was only 9 when the 1947 partition turned her family into refugees. When girls were denied the right to education, she fought against all odds and emerged as the first female graduate in her community. Widowed within a year of marriage, she raised children and juggled multiple jobs. She was certainly no stranger to struggle, but our existence as a family is a testament to her tenacity. She led life as an activist and an educator. From her, I learned perseverance, empathy and to stand up for what I believe in. My dadi is my source of inspiration, always.”

— Ananyaa, 17, India

“The woman I admire the most is a fighter. She is dedicated and honest. She works seven days a week with shifts until late. And above all, she has such a pure heart and compassion. This woman I admire so much is my mom.”

— Monica, 22, Dominican Republic

“My aunt is one of the women in my life that I admire the most. She had been working in a supermarket for 20 years and then three years ago, she decided to quit the job to start a new business on her own. Now she owns and runs a café. I admire her because she decided to chase and managed to realize her dream.”

— Cristina, 19, Italy

“I met Sumaiya in university and my first impression about her was that she was annoying, and I could never be friends with her. We were classmates and had a set of mutual friends, so I had no choice but to be cordial with her. But eventually, she took my number, texted me, we got to talking and I realized that this human cared for and understood me better than anyone could. We've now been best friends for five years! She is an extrovert who adopted me, an introvert, and I absolutely admire her guts.”

— Megna, 22, India