Standing at the Rajarbagh police line signal with my bicycle, I observed the bustling crowd around me, and it dawned on me that each person carries a unique story, one that I might not fully comprehend. But in that very moment, a genuine plea reached my ears, cutting through the cacophony of the city. It was an unusual occurrence at the traffic signal in Dhaka, more so because it was a woman's voice. Startled, I turned to the source and, to my surprise, she in fact, was looking for me.

Without hesitation, I handed her the water bottle I had brought from home. The mother sitting behind her looked worn and concerned, yet she mustered the strength to thank me sincerely.

Before they returned the bottle, she anticipated my unspoken curiosity and explained that they were headed to a dedicated COVID hospital. I refrained from prying or delving deeper. As the traffic resumed its movement, I noticed that their scooter was moving slower than my bicycle. Maneuvering through Dhaka's chaotic traffic demands considerable effort, and the driver was grappling to navigate the swarming vehicles. The handlebar wobbled, and she struggled to keep her feet steady, almost losing her balance whenever she tried to put her feet down. I marveled at her determination to cover the seven-kilometer distance ahead. Her physique was well-suited for biking, but she needed more than just hope to overcome this challenge. I trailed behind them for a while, and each time their scooter overtook a rickshaw, I couldn't help but listen for any derogatory comments. Unfortunately, there were several instances of such unsavory remarks. I'm not one to engage in verbal abuse, but in moments of intense frustration, words can escape me that would silence even the angriest of critics. This time, a couple of haughty rickshaw pullers found themselves silenced, and perhaps that was for the best.

Before long, the Kalbaisakhi storm arrived, a tempest of dust and rain that swept through the city. In the midst of the deluge, the scooter carrying the rider and her mother disappeared from my view at a busy intersection. I couldn't fathom where they found refuge during the storm or the struggles they encountered at the hospital—there was a story there.

As I rode my bicycle through rain and snow, I pondered the countless young women in my town—those who possess the potential to change the world, brimming with grand aspirations and selflessness. Yet, societal constraints shackle them, limiting their impact. How many remarkable girls harbor minds as vast as the cosmos? These girls don't need to cultivate their outward appearance; their beauty emanates from within. Their thoughts transcend mundane matters like boyfriends, fashion, or superficial standards. Their concerns extend beyond gender barriers to embrace the freedom of humanity. The young women of my city are not mere bystanders; they hold the power to change the world. This is what I fervently believe. But what they need most is a bit of courage.

Where does that courage come from? It's a question I often ponder. Can't the trailblazers who paved the way for women's rights champion a more empowering message? Instead of emphasizing the right to wear what they please or stay out late, why not inspire our young women to unleash their true potential? Perhaps then, our city's girls can truly become world-changers.

Our girls are more than capable of improving themselves, broadening their horizons, and stepping out of their comfort zones. Rather than dwelling on the problems, what if they focused on their own growth? Why seek approval from others when they can stand as strong, independent individuals? The world of educated, compassionate men holds an untapped resource to protect and uplift our girls. Shouldn't our girls harness the potential of cooperative partnerships with these enlightened men? The answer is within reach.

The truth is, the world needs good people to effect change. We need the influence of the enlightened, the compassionate, the educated. When we talk about women's rights, we must acknowledge that women constitute over half of the global population. This implies that half of these enlightened, compassionate individuals are women. Perhaps even more, as nature's design does not limit women's potential. However, if societal constraints confine them to their homes, if they're denied access to prominent careers, then the world loses half its potential for transformation.

Consider the implications of this imbalance. As women's empowerment is stifled, uncivilized attitudes continue to thrive. A more equal world necessitates the courage of our girls. They are the superheroes we need, but many remain confined within the walls of their rooms. They yearn to be brave, to broaden their horizons, to awaken their visions.

Let's revisit the story of the scooter rider. How many young girls in our city fret over getting tanned after a mere two hours in the sun? How many are preoccupied with evaluating the appeal of proposals from multiple suitors? How many are consumed by appearances, only to transform into "aunties" in their thirties? The young girl who exhibited unwavering courage before uncivilized eyes amid the tempest stands as a testament to bravery and selflessness. How many nineteen- and twenty-year-olds can summon that level of courage?

I may not know the name of every Marvel superheroine, but I recognize a warrior when I see one. Thus, I affectionately address her as Artemisia, the Queen of Halicarnassus from the legendary annals of ancient Greece.

Dear girls, all off you, you possess the strength, determination, and courage to carve your own paths. Society's confines need not restrict your potential. Embrace your inner superheroines. Just like Artemisia, you have the power to shape the world around you, to break free from the barriers that seek to confine you. The future belongs to those who dare to dream, and you, my dear girls, are the architects of that future. Embrace your power, chase your dreams, and remember that the world is waiting for you to shine your light upon it. Your courage will be your greatest strength, and your actions will pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.

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