Around 8 years ago, I began my writing journey. It was a simple yet profound decision, driven by a need to express my thoughts and share my experiences in an environment that didn’t readily allow for it. Writing became my outlet, my way of sharing the knowledge I was gaining and expressing the thoughts that were swirling around in my head. It was also a way for me to improve my skills in writing proposals and reports, which were a part of my job.
I first dipped my toes into writing in Arabic, the language I grew up with, before transitioning to English. Now, I primarily write in English. Throughout the years, my goals for writing and publishing have evolved, but the joy I find in writing has remained. I love sketching out ideas in my notebook, mapping out the structure of what I’m going to write. There’s a certain satisfaction in diving into research, reading through resources, and then weaving it all together on my laptop. It’s a process that not only challenges me but also energizes me. Even in my professional work life, I enjoy writing operational or strategic documents, procedures, guidelines, and handbooks. I also like designing frameworks or linking processes with policies.
I hesitate to label myself as a professional writer; the term doesn’t quite fit. Writing is a source of joy for me, a means to delve into various viewpoints and deepen my comprehension of the world. The writings of others inspire me, and the discussions my work initiates—whether they align with my views or challenge them—are priceless. These interactions broaden my horizons and enrich my understanding.
Although my motivations for writing have evolved to include raising awareness, challenging norms, and disseminating knowledge within the nonprofit sector, the essence and the joy of my writing remains unchanged. I find pleasure in the creative process of crafting a piece. Over the years, I’ve written numerous articles that have remained unpublished—reflections from the field, insights from past deployments, and personal thoughts. Despite their obscurity, the process of writing them was satisfying in itself. I like to think of writing as my own little art studio, where I’m the quirky artist who paints with words instead of brushes. Every story I weave is like a colorful canvas, full of vibrant characters and thrilling plot twists.
Many people view writing as work, but I see it differently. To me, it’s a source of joy, energy, and inspiration. When someone asks what I do for fun or when I’m not working, I mention walking, photography, spending time with friends, reading—and yes, writing. It’s something I enjoy, and I love that it’s part of my life.
In this blog, I want to share why I also believe writing is important for those working in the humanitarian sector, based on my own journey:
- Amplify Voices and Stories: Writing allows me to share the experiences and stories of those we serve, giving a voice to the voiceless and humanizing the often overwhelming statistics of crises and disasters. It’s a way to make sure these important narratives aren’t lost.
- Raise Awareness and Advocate for Change: Through writing, I’ve been able to raise awareness about critical issues, advocate for change, and mobilize support for important causes. It’s my way of contributing to the broader efforts in the humanitarian field from both a global and local perspective.
- Reflect and Learn: Writing offers me a space for reflection. It helps me process my experiences, learn from challenges, and grow both personally and professionally. It’s been an essential tool for continuous learning and development.
- Inspire Action: By sharing my work and the impact it has, I’ve seen how writing can inspire others to take action—whether it’s through volunteering, donating, or advocating for change. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how words can mobilize support.
- Build Community and Connect: Writing has helped me connect with others in the field, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. It’s a way to engage with like-minded individuals and build networks of support and collaboration, even with those I haven’t met in person. It has also built bridges between me and many others from the private sector or those who are working in other countries or sectors.
- Challenge Assumptions and Stereotypes: Through my writing, I’ve been able to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about the people we serve and the nature of humanitarian work. It’s important to me to present a more nuanced and accurate picture. It has also helped me start conversations around topics that are not familiar or not often discussed.
- Document and Preserve: Writing serves as a form of documentation, preserving the experiences and lessons learned for others and, many times, for myself. It’s a way to ensure that valuable information isn’t lost.
- Develop Critical Thinking and Analysis: Writing about some topics requires critical thinking and analysis, skills that are essential for effective humanitarian work. It sharpens my ability to evaluate situations, make connections, and develop well-founded arguments.
- Promote Accountability and Transparency: I believe that in many cases, writing has helped me promote accountability and transparency in the places where I’ve worked. It has been a way to raise questions or awareness on topics that are not addressed or discussed.
- Find Joy and Fulfillment: As I’ve shared, writing is a source of joy and personal fulfillment for me. It allows me to find meaning and purpose in my work, helping me stay motivated and passionate about what I do.
So, whether it’s for personal reflection, professional development, or simply the joy of it, I encourage my peers in the humanitarian sector to write more. Writing has the power to transform not just our own lives, but also the lives of those we serve. It doesn’t matter if it’s published or kept private—what matters is that it becomes a tool for growth, connection, and inspiration.
Write in the language that feels most natural to you, and don’t be afraid to share your unique voice with the world. Every story, every perspective, and every insight has the potential to spark change, challenge norms, and build bridges across communities. Your words can amplify the voices of those who are often unheard and shine a light on the issues that matter most.
So pick up your pen, open your laptop, and start writing. You never know how your words might impact others—or even yourself. In a world where so much remains unsaid, let your writing be the voice that speaks up, the hand that reaches out, and the spark that ignites action. Together, through our stories and our shared experiences, we can create a more informed, connected, and compassionate world.
Ali Al Mokdad
August 4, 2024
