GIO - The Metamorphosis Initiator

When I look back to where my journey in GIO started, I see a small, timid girl in her third grade, who felt overwhelmed by those around her, not knowing what to do. She only knew that it was an Islamic class for youngsters, but they were all older than her, prepared with a note and a pen, none of which she held. It took her some time to realise that she was in a place too advanced for her grade, and her parents decided to send her to a class for kids of her age group.

Living in Saudi Arabia at that time, she eagerly waited for Friday evenings to spend some time with her friends and learn Islam, which her elder sister handled. Little did she know that all those prayer charts she filled, duas she was told to memorize, and the various topics taught in class were her foundation for a strong deen.

As she grew older, she was shifted to a girls-only group, the actual GIO classes in Dammam. Here, she faced a new challenges, preparing speeches and speaking in front of dozens of girls who were all older than her. For a girl who had stage fright, stuttering and sweating were the first things to happen. Yet she took up the challenge and continued to present topics. Gradually, she could handle tafseer classes, book discussions, and speak without fear of being judged.

Upon shifting to Chennai for her higher studies, she disconnected with GIO, as she couldn't find a circle in her area. Then came COVID, and the era of online classes began. By the will of Allah, GIO Online Summer Islamic Classes popped up, for which she registered. Needless to say, Alhamdulillah, GIO found her back.

With a completely new set of girls, again many older and younger than her, she found her Islamic connection back. It was an even better experience here as the exposure was more than what it was in Saudi Arabia. There were many new activities, workshops, and Tarbiyah sessions, which were all tailored to groom young girls, not only for themselves, but for their society as well.

After joining as an Associate, she was referred for the Membership classes by her friends in Villivakkam. The book reading and discussion sessions were intriguing as they involved a major transformation from a small girl to a young woman. Soon after she became a Member, she was invited to multiple sessions both as a participant and speaker, which made her explore her talents even more.

2025 took a sharp toll on her mental health as she dealt with the grief of losing her all-time supporter, her beloved father, who was her guide into entering the Jamaat and GIO. In the same year, she was then chosen as a Joint Secretary for GIO Chennai Metro by her President, sister Aafrida. This responsibility involved brainstorming, planning, and organising various events for the cadres of the city, which gave her a completely new experience.

Her interaction with the girls beyond her usual circle gave her a change of perspective, and to see so many new girls starting just like she did, with hesitation and nervousness, she felt she should continue to develop and encourage them just like how her sisters did when she was young.

If you are someone who has just joined GIO, or been here for years, witnessing the transformation it gives within you, just know that this journey is a beautiful one where we are all united by the love for Allah and our willingness to balance deen and dunya without compromising one another.

GIO is not just an organisation, it's a community where we get friends and sisters for a lifetime, where people interact without a second thought. Each time you face a responsibility, you are stepping out of your comfort zone, exploring talents you never knew you had.

If I could, I'd thank the timid third grader for showing up each time, even when she was anxious, for she made me reach this far, and continue with an inbound strength and steadfastness that wouldn't have been possible without GIO. #MyGIOJourney

#JoinGIO Author: Naseema Banu Ansari, GIO Villivakam Unit, Chennai Date: 4 February 2026