Working together at the same company, Bela, Bani, and Taraa each brought their unique experiences and strengths, navigating challenges that often felt isolating but ultimately forged resilience and connection. They may have come from different backgrounds, but as they worked side-by-side, they found themselves drawn together by a common goal: to foster a safe and empowering environment for themselves and the women around them.
I’m Bela, and I still remember the first time I connected with Bani and Taraa. We didn’t start as friends—we were just three women working at the same company, each trying to stay afloat in our own way. But somewhere in the endless hours of work, awkward coffee breaks, and shared frustrations, we found each other. And what began as small conversations turned into something more—a safe space we could lean on.
Bela’s Perspective
I used to think that blending into the background was my way to survive. I’d sit quietly in meetings, listening and nodding, even when I had ideas I believed in. But every time I tried to speak up, someone would talk over me or dismiss my input as “too ambitious” or “idealistic.” Then one day, Taraa stepped in.
Taraa’s fierce. She’d look anyone in the eye and say exactly what was on her mind, no hesitations. In a meeting, she heard my idea, and when someone tried to brush me off, she interrupted, “Actually, Bela’s onto something.” Just like that, I realized I didn’t have to sit in the background. She didn’t know it then, but she lit a fire in me that day. Slowly, I began speaking up, pushing through my own fear, learning to hold my ground. Taraa and Bani helped me see that my voice had power, and that staying silent only kept me small.
Bani’s Perspective
People always told me I was “sweet” and “soft,” like those were the only things I could be. At work, I’d try to stay polite and gentle, but that seemed to make some people think they could cross boundaries. Comments about my appearance, or even random personal questions, started to make me uncomfortable. I’d laugh it off at first, thinking that was just part of being friendly.
But then, there was Taraa, fierce and direct, and Bela, quietly strong. They’d listen when I vented about feeling uncomfortable, and Taraa would just shake her head and say, “Bani, kindness doesn’t mean you have to let anyone walk all over you.” It took time, but with their support, I learned to set boundaries without losing myself. I could protect my space and still be kind. And when I began standing up for myself, it felt like I was finally in control of my own life.
Taraa’s Perspective
People always said I was too intense. It was my armor, though, and I learned to be fierce because, growing up, that’s what kept me safe. At work, my intensity often got me labeled as “difficult” or “too strong-minded.” And fine, I’d think—if that kept people from crossing lines, I’d own it.
But then I met Bela and Bani. They didn’t need my protection; they needed someone to believe in them. Bela was finding her voice, and Bani was learning to set boundaries. Watching them grow, I realized that strength doesn’t have to mean loudness or anger. I began to see there’s power in listening, in encouraging, in standing with people rather than just defending them. In some ways, they softened me, taught me patience, and reminded me that there’s more than one way to be strong.
We may be different, but together, we created our own space—safe, strong, and supportive. In a world that often tries to shrink us, we reminded each other to stand tall. Today, we aren’t just colleagues. We’re a team, Boss Betis who protect, uplift, and empower each other to face whatever challenges come our way.
Picture Source: Pinterest
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