In this month’s edition of our Diversity Diaries series, we are thrilled to introduce a voice from the future of activism and politics – Sara Khalifa. At just 16 years old, Sara’s perspective on the world is both refreshing and deeply inspiring. Following her recent completion of the GCSEs, Sara’s journey has taken a fascinating turn, as she now volunteers at BelEve and has secured a part-time job at the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), under the auspices of the Mayor of London. Her early foray into politics and activism through these roles is not just a step towards her career but a leap into her passion for making the world a more informed, equitable place.
Despite her youth, Sara’s insights reveal a maturity and depth of understanding that promise to challenge and inspire our readers. From discovering her political voice to advocating for wider awareness and education among her peers, her story is a testament to the power of young people in shaping our societies. As Sara navigates the complexities of her political journey, her ambitions and activism offer a beacon of hope and a call to action for the next generation.
Join us as Sara shares her experiences, motivations, and aspirations in her own words, and discover why now, more than ever, is the time to stand up, speak out, and make a difference. Let’s dive into Sara’s thought-provoking entry in our Diversity Diaries series:
My name is Sara, and I’m a 16-year-old currently volunteering at BelEve. I’ve recently finished my GCSEs and graduated. Through BelEve, I’ve gained a part-time job at the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) for young people. I was fortunate to obtain this job at such a young age, as I’m already interested in politics, and working under the Mayor of London will hopefully help me further succeed in my political passion. I always fear what I am getting myself into when I experiment and dive deeper into the world of politics. Realistically, I don’t know a lot, but you could say I’m better educated than the average 16-year-old.
The way I found my interest in politics was by finding a clear passion in activism and raising awareness. From Emma Watson speaking about feminism to Instagram accounts sharing posts about what’s going on in Palestine, my interest grew. BelEve has not only helped me find a job, but has also helped me become a more mature, outspoken young woman. I can strongly argue that now is the best time to become more politically and socially aware given how the world is evolving.
Being politically aware doesn’t mean protesting on the streets, but it does mean going out of your way to educate yourself. Unfortunately, what we are all held down by is ignorance. A person cannot choose what to be aware of, whether it’s about their own country or their own beliefs—that’s biased. A woman cannot call herself a feminist and not stand for women’s rights in countries in Asia and Africa; that’s white feminism coming into play, only standing for white supremacy.
As a 16-year-old, I cannot vote, but it’s more than obvious that conservatives cannot win the 2024 election; that’s self-sabotage. Young people who can vote should; they should do their research and vote for the party that looks out for us, the next generation. Vote for the party which you can see improving education and housing within the next few years. I recently took a test on a website called Vote Compass to find where I lie on the political spectrum to help me with future elections. Safe to say, I was closer to the Green Party than to Reform. Voting is not only for yourself but for your community.
The voice of Sara Khalifa underscores a crucial message: the importance of political engagement and awareness among young people. In a world ever-evolving and faced with numerous challenges, the power and potential of the youth’s voice cannot be overstated. At BelEve, we champion and amplify the voices of young girls and women, encouraging them to step forward, share their insights, and actively participate in shaping the society they inherit.
Empowering young people to understand the political landscape, to question, and to vote, is to equip them with the tools to effect the changes they wish to see. It’s about fostering a generation not only ready to lead but also deeply informed about the complexities of the world they navigate. Sara’s journey and her call to action remind us of the impactful role young individuals can play in advocating for a better future for all.
As we continue to support and highlight the journeys of young girls and women like Sara, let us also remind ourselves of the collective strength found in our voices and our votes. It is through informed participation and the relentless pursuit of equality and justice that we can truly make a difference. At BelEve, we are committed to nurturing these voices, ensuring they are heard, respected, and valued, for they are the architects of tomorrow.
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