The phrase "to realize" means to become aware or conscious, to understand something fully, or to bring about a particular condition or state. It can also mean to make something happen in reality, as opposed to just thinking or talking about it.
I've not been at home in my kitchen for three months and I didn't realise how much I missed combining random sugar - free ingredients! (happysugarhabits.com)
Many people just don't realise how good a meat free meal can be. (meatfreemondays.com)
All of these things are human rights, all of them when realised help promote a functioning and stable democratic society. (humanrights.gov.au)