My GIO Journey — Beyond Just an Organisation

The Girls Islamic Organisation is not just an organisation that ends with the word "organisation". It is a space where girls meet, learn, and grow together, not formally but warmly, like a family. My journey began when I was in 4th grade. My grandmother told me to attend summer Islamic classes. At that time, I was just a kid in a summer class, listening to stories I didn't yet fully grasp. But the seeds were sown. By 7th grade, those seeds began to sprout... I learned about GIO and began attending the weekly classes. Those weekly sessions, just an hour and a half on Sunday mornings, became a source of healing for the entire week. The connections and the sense of sisterhood formed there are truly special. The discussions, laughter and moments of learning create a space where everyone feels seen and supported. Yet beyond friendships, what mattered most was how we grew internally. Through GIO, I began to build confidence in myself in expressing my thoughts and discovering abilities I never knew I had. I believe it is also a platform which encourages us girls to rise, to yield in whatever field we are and whatever talents we have; they always make us believe that we can be more than who we are now. The mentors and sisters guide us in a way that awakens our inner selves and encourages us to push towards our true potential, both spiritually and personally. Then came 2021, a canon event for everyone — the lockdown. During that period, I drifted away from GIO. Three years passed, and when I convinced myself it was too late to return. Then one day, I received a call from GIO. I was surprised with a bit of shock, but perhaps Allah had other plans. I was invited again to the Summer Islamic Classes in 2025, a journey that brought me back to where it began, from SIC 2015 to SIC 2025. This shows the bond, even after all those years, never abandoned, like a family. Even after all those years, I felt an immediate sense of belonging and peace when I returned. That familiarity, warmth and acceptance reminded me that some connections do not fade with time; they simply wait for you to come back. The other beautiful memory I have with GIO is the gatherings we all have, as we know, jamaah is important for growth, those keen conversations balancing both deen and duny, which build sisterhood, is what helps us become better believers and grow closer to Allah(swt). I hope it continues to reach more girls like me who seek improvement and the strength to give back to their communities. Aameen. Looking back, GIO has become more than just a chapter in my life; it is part of my identity and will continue shaping who I am becoming. May Allah (SWT) continue to guide us all. Aameen! Author: Aaliya Maryam T.A, GIO Chennai Metro Date: 13 February 2026