We chat with the amazing ladies, Yasin and Suwayba, from Home Girls Unite. A safe space for eldest daughters from immigrant homes, we find out what makes them happiest, how the support group is changing lives and what Black girl joy means to them.
1. How are you, really?
Suwayba: I’m feeling excited and terrified as I’ve been doing lots of new things this month that have been outside my comfort zone. I’m reminding myself to keep at it and stop waiting to be perfect before going after what I deserve.
Yasin: Tired. Very, very tired and sleepy. My life and routine have changed drastically in the last few weeks. I am in the process of learning how to balance my new normal.
2. What simple things bring you joy?
Suwayba: Spending time with my sisters and having a laugh with them.
Yasin: Listening to dateline Senegambian music and having solo parties. Reminds me of home.
3. When are you at your happiest?
Suwayba: I’m at my happiest when I feel that I’m fulfilling my purpose and living a meaningful life. This usually means reading books or having conversations that help me recognise my place in the world.
Yasin: When I’m alone with no responsibilities to worry about. Alone time is a big yes for me.
4. How does Home Girls Unite make you feel?
Suwayba: Home Girls makes me feel hopeful. Eldest daughters unite and radiate hope that despite our difficult experiences, we can envisage a brighter future. Hope that we can and will break the cycle of generational trauma. Our Home Girls group chats and events remind me the most of the power of sisterhood. It’s beautiful to witness women from all over the world sharing their experiences and advice. This sisterhood gives me hope that we can be the change we want to see.
Yasin: Home Girls makes me feel optimistic about the future. Not only the future of eldest daughters but the future for immigrant women and the whole female population. Home Girls reminds me that we can dream about the change we want and work towards making it happen. Home Girls, my baby and my baby, makes me feel so much happiness and joy!
5. Are you prioritising self-care? If so, how?
Suwayba: I practice self-care by making sure I check in with myself by journaling. After I’ve journaled, I feel more in turn with my emotions. Our work means that sometimes we read emotionally challenging stories so checking in with myself allows me to understand my triggers or whether I’m holding someone’s pain as my own.
Yasin: Always! If I’m not 100%, nothing around me can be 100%. Putting myself and my needs first is part of self-care for me. Making sure I do things that make me happy, getting enough rest, knowing when to stop and take a break.
6. What does ‘Black girl joy’ mean to you?
Suwayba: When I hear Black girl joy, what comes to my mind are women putting themselves first and radiating self-love. Black girls just living their absolute best lives freely and unapologetically.
Yasin: To me, ‘Black girl joy’ means Black girl anything and everything that makes Black girls happy.
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