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Author and Athlete Maria Toorpakai Headlines Diversity Week
Loyola Academy welcomed author, activist and world-class athlete Maria Toorpakai during Diversity Week’s lineup of events. Toorpakai discussed her book, A Different Kind of Daughter: The Girl Who Hid From the Taliban in Plain Sight, in which she shares her harrowing journey of escape from an oppressive regime in a tribal region of northwest Pakistan to become, against all odds, one of the world’s top-ranked female squash players.
“We were thrilled to have Ms. Toorpakai speak to our students as a very enlightening part of our Diversity Week educational program,” says Mrs. Selina McGuire, coordinator of health and wellness at Loyola Academy. “Her journey is remarkable—coming from a place where the idea of women playing sports is forbidden, and girls rarely leave their homes. Maria was incredibly inspiring.”
“I think it is very important to learn about and to be aware of the challenges that women across the world face,” says senior Margaret Vanecko. “Ms. Toorpakai coming to speak to students at Loyola really opened our eyes.”
Toorpakai shared stories from her childhood in Pakistan. Rejecting the oppressive social and behavioral expectations for girls, Toorpakai disguised herself as a boy, donning her brother’s clothes, so she could pursue activities such as weightlifting and squash. “I never identified as one gender or the other,” Toorpakai explained. “I was just Maria.”
At a pivotal moment in her life, a young Toorpakai went so far as to burn her dresses in a dramatic display of rebellion.
“Dresses are such a symbol of femininity, and, by burning them, Ms. Toorpakai was throwing away the label of her gender that was forced upon her by her society,” explains Molly Lynch ’17. “She refused to be controlled, and she refused to be scared of what the Taliban might do.”
“I loved how determined she was to step out of the social norms in Pakistan and pursue her passion of squash,” adds junior Lillian Hartsig.
A devout Muslim, Toorpakai spoke to students about her admiration for Pope Francis after a visit to the Vatican where the Pope met with world leaders and encouraged them to look at the ways in which sports can unify the world. “Sports programs can introduce you to the world,” she says. “I want the world to be more connected, east and west.”
Closer to home, another influential figure in Toorpakai’s life has been her father, a forward thinking teacher, whom she praises for his unconditional love and support. “I am very lucky I have such a supportive father who stood up for me like a shield,” she says. “He believes men and women are equal. If a boy and a girl are born from the same womb, how can they be different? The day my father accepted me and viewed me similarly to his son, allowing me to be free—that was the best day of my life.”
School counselor Sarah Bennett helped organize a “lunch and learn” for faculty members in the weeks leading up to the presentation. “Our students need to hear about the experiences of those who are different from them,” Bennett says. “Our students are heading out into a diverse world. It is our responsibility to prepare them. Bringing in speakers from different faith backgrounds, cultures and ideologies only prepares our students better for life after Loyola Academy.”
Speaking at the end of Diversity Week, Toorpakai’s message was uplifting and unifying. “We shouldn’t be afraid of anyone,” she encouraged students. “No matter the race or religion, it doesn’t matter. We all come from Adam and Eve. We are here for a purpose: to look after each other.”
Students left the presentation with broadened perspectives and increased awareness. “I was very impressed with Ms. Toorpakai,” says Luke Phillips ’18. “She was funny and kind, while at the same time addressing very real and serious issues. She was so humble...and stressed the importance of being tolerant and open-minded. She certainly gave me a new and fascinating perspective.”
Toorpakai now lives in Canada where she continues to train with former professional squash player Jonathon Power. Notably, she was ranked Pakistan's top female squash player in 2012. To learn more about Maria Toorpakai, her book and her squash career, visit http://mariatoorpakai.org/marias-story/.
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