Youth Facing Challenges in Traditional, Male-Dominated Households: Exploring the Hardships Encountered by Young Generation in Rigid Matriarchies

In the pages of Good Girl, Nila, a character deeply rooted in her Afghan background, shares her experiences of navigating toxic family relationships and oppressive familial expectations. Nila grew up in a strict patriarchal family where her role, limitations, and responsibilities were clearly defined from a young age.

The narrator's father was a significant figure in their life, his word being law, opinions gospel, and his presence felt in every corner of their home. Inheriting a restrictive environment, Nila's rebellion came in small, quiet acts, such as asking questions and challenging norms in subtle ways.

The fear of disappointing family, particularly the father, was a constant battle in breaking free from expectations. The day Nila tried to break free and pursue her dream of going to college out of state, her father dismissed her wishes, saying, "You're a woman. Your place is here, where you belong."

The scars of growing up in such a restrictive environment remain. The narrator often questioned the rules and restrictions placed upon them as a teenager. However, the fear of disappointing the family, especially the father, kept Nila in line for a long time.

The process of breaking free from a patriarchal family is a long, painful journey of self-discovery and self-empowerment. Nila eventually enrolled in college, marking the beginning of her journey towards independence. The internal conflict created by the struggle between tradition and independence can lead to a painful dichotomy.

The journey of breaking free can lead to a liberating experience. Nila realised that true freedom meant being willing to let go of the security of the familiar and redefining her identity and reclaiming her life. Offering emotional support, validation, and encouragement is crucial when supporting individuals trying to break free from restrictive environments.

The freedom found in one's own voice, decisions, and identity is something that no one can take away. The struggle to assert independence continues even after leaving a restrictive environment. Breaking free from a patriarchal family can lead to feelings of guilt or alienation from family members who do not understand.

However, the journey results in a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. In Nila's family, women's lives were heavily scrutinized, from the clothes they wore to the jobs they pursued. The narrator often felt the weight of these expectations, but the process of breaking free allowed them to reclaim their life and define their own path.

The narrator's experiences serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of asserting one's independence and challenging oppressive familial expectations. Nila's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of self-determination.