This talk explores how personal struggle can spark powerful social change. It highlights the importance of recognising injustice, questioning cultural norms, and daring to create new paths when existing systems fail to support people.Through lessons of resilience, resourcefulness, and fortitude, the message is clear: change begins with awareness, action, and purpose. Building initiatives rooted in lived experience, evidence, and community voices ensures impact that truly matters.Social justice isn’t just about speaking truth, it’s about the courage to challenge stigma, disrupt silence, and build spaces that include and uplift everyone. Soumaya Najjarin is a policy and project management professional with over 8 years of experience in government and a decade of community service. Currently pursuing postgraduate studies in law, she brings a unique blend of governance expertise and grassroots advocacy to her work.As the Founding Director of New Beginnings Aus, Australia’s first Islamic divorce recovery organisation, she has pioneered transformative programs that support women, men, and families in navigating the emotional and social challenges of divorce. Her TEDx talk explores the often overlooked discrimination faced by individuals and families due to their divorce status, highlighting the urgent need for more compassionate, inclusive community. Her work is rooted in impact, innovation, and a dedication to meaningful change.Driven by her commitment to systemic change, Soumaya combines policy knowledge with lived experience to advocate for dignity, belonging, and fairness for all regardless of marital status. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Dialogue is often presented as a way to bridge our divisions and bring us together. But when does dialogue harm us? Who benefits (and loses) when everyone gets a chance to speak. And whom does it serve? Assistant Professor of English at Bowdoin College. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx