Rida—My Story About Women & Personal Freedoms

Part of the 12-title My: 24—The Day My Life Changed Forever! series—co-developed by the Australian Children's Television Foundation—Rida: My Story About Women & Personal Freedoms focuses on 19-year-old, Melbourne-dwelling, self-proclaimed chocoholic Rida, who speaks seven languages and loves Bollywood dancing. After a strict upbringing in Pakistan, Rida migrated with her family to the “colorless” small town of Horsham in Australia, where her obedience to parents and native culture were challenged by classroom life, as Rida was asked for the first time “What do you think about the world?” Wanting more than life in a “birdcage,” Rida's “24” moment came at the age of 16, when she called the police after being assaulted by her father (following a disagreement about Rida attending a school seminar). Rida here shares her challenging experience of leaving home without money—with a fear of losing her family—and her subsequent personal growth as she embarked on a quest to help disadvantaged women and children, while also promoting cultural awareness. Offering a poignant and honest look at one woman's path to freedom—peppered with illustrations by Rida—this is highly recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (J. Williams-Wood)