I resonated with your story so much, Kerala. In my case, I grew up in the shadow of an extraordinarily beautiful mother. I constantly compared myself with her and was told by people that I looked nothing like her.

My skin color was also always commented on. Here in Morocco, being lighter skinned is seen as the ultimate goal. My mother is Moroccan but looks very European due to her light complexion. And me turning out darker, looking more like my father, was seen as unfortunate.

I saw myself as ugly until I was in my early 20s as well (it seems many of us awaken to our beauty at around that age) because of all the negative comments on my looks and the constant comparison with my mother.

Cat-calling is a huge issue in Morocco. Most women in their 20s to early 30s report being cat-called and sexually harassed on a regular basis. I get cat-called pretty much every time I go out here. I grew up in New York, before my parents decided to move us here, but I was 8 when we moved so I don’t know what it’s like to be harassed over there. I know it’s a huge problem there too of course.

I also experienced this early, just like your daughter did, at around 11. I’m sorry she experienced this…I found it quite traumatic to be oggled at and my body commented on so early.

It’s really affected me. Being cat-called can be quite an emotional thing. It’s quite dehumanizing…it can really alter your sense of self-worth. It breaks my heart that young girls across the world have to deal with this. Little girls are being forced to grow up too early. I felt like I was shoved out of my innocent childhood by those 2 men who harassed me at 11…

I wish you and your family all the best, Kerala! Your daughter is lucky to have you as her mother. I’m sure you will do everything in your power to support and protect her. Thank you for sharing your story with us!