A recent Twitter post that went viral, shares the story of a British Pakistani Law Graduate that is ‘legally blind’, now on her way to becoming a licensed barrister.
Being a Millennial comes with reminiscing films like ‘Legally Blonde’ while romanticising practising law in an Elle Wood inspired all-pink outfit.
For 25-year-old visually impaired Haleemah Farooq, holding a pink floral personalised cane, while graduating from Law, is as close to this moment as any Millennial would get.
It comes as no surprise then, that her graduation picture, which was taken at her Call ceremony, went viral on Twitter.
Holding her pink cane, that she carries for assistance, she took to Twitter to say “holding a cane, instead of a fake rolled-up degree” meant a lot to her.
As a British Pakistani, blind Muslim woman she says, the picture “speaks volumes” as it represents her journey as an unregistered barrister living with visual impairment.
In an interview with Asian Sunday, Miss Farooq spoke about the reason why she shares her visual impairment on social media.
“I know there’s this massive stigma about disability in the Asian community, especially with the older generation, if they have a child with any disability, it’s like ‘hum barbad ho gaye’ or being referred to as ‘bachara’ or ‘bachari’.
“Which is disgusting, but I’ve been fortunate enough to have an amazing mum and siblings, who don think like that, although we have distanced ourselves from family members with that type of mentality.
“Instead of trying to empower their kids and letting them live life and see where life takes them, they think that’s it we’re going to have to look after this person for the rest of our lives.”
She told Asian Sunday she is “really grateful” that “as an organisation who have a South Asian readership and South Asians in general” have got in touch, to help raise awareness of South Asians with disabilities being stigmatised.
“I haven’t seen much representation, but I don’t mind being the first. I just hope that I can inspire those south Asian parents who think that as their child is disabled, he or she is useless” she added.
She concludes “As a millennial, the main reason for me being so vocal on my social media is to reach out to people and show that there needs to be more support, acceptance, awareness and a bit more education around this.”
A huge milestone for South Asians that live with visual impairments, who have longed for equal representation, without prejudice in the media and work establishments.
The CEO of Asian People’s Disability Alliance, where Haleemah Farooq is a peer, spoke to Asian Sunday, about how the unique organisation, which is both black, Asian and minority ethnic led and Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations led within the UK, shares her success.
Commenting on Farooq’s journey, Zeenat Jeewa says “This story of Haleemah and her achievement should be a beacon of inspiration to all young Asian people who may be doubting their abilities and potential.
“We would urge all those young people and families of young disabled people, to have belief in themselves as this story shows that with determination and support any disability whether it is sight loss, or any other impairment cannot stop you from achieving what you set out to do”.
Commenting on removing barriers in the UK’s mainstream society for Asian Disabled people, Miss Jeewa replied “Haleemah Farooq, is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when barriers are removed, and the right support mechanisms are in place for people like her.”
The Director of a Leeds-based charity ‘Association of Blind Asians’ also shares her thoughts on Farooq’s “massive success”.
“Firstly, I would like to congratulate Haleemah Farooq for her massive success. Her achievement is a great testament to all blind and partially sighted youngsters from not only South Asian backgrounds but all who aspire to achieve and dare to dream big.
“Obstacles and barriers can be overcome by hard work, patience, perseverance, and Sadia proved that! She is a role model, and her inspiring story will make a positive impact on many” as told to Asian Sunday by Debbani Ghosh.
Glossary
‘Bachara’ – Masculine noun for someone being pitied
‘Bachari’ – Feminine noun for someone being pitied
‘hum barbad ho gaye’ – “we have been ruined”