INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL
TO MARK INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, PROMINENT ASIANS REVEAL HOW THEY TACKLE CHALLENGES
AS THE world celebrates International Women’s Day next Monday (8), it is important to reflect on the progress made during a challenging year for many.
Eastern Eye asked influential women about the impact of the pandemic on their lives and fighting gender-based issues.
What have you learned about yourself during the last 12 months?
Dr Nikita Kanani, medical director of primary care at NHS England: The past 12 months have tested my personal resilience, as I am sure they have for many others. Having worked for so long now in a high-pressure environment, showing kindness and compassion to my colleagues, friends and family have been important. I’m very proud of my profession and of all my NHS colleagues for everything they have done for their patients and communities during the pandemic. It has been a truly humbling experience.
Naga Munchetty, journalist and host of BBC Breakfast: I’ve learned that although I enjoy my independence, I thrive when I spend time with my people. I need faceto-face and physical contact. I can’t wait to hug and be roaring with laughter in a group of my loved ones again.
Bina Mehta, acting chair of KPMG UK: Throughout my career, I have always been inspired by people who have faced adversity and kept going. Resilience and determination are what I admire the most, and this year I have found new role models in abundance. From colleagues giving up their own time to support their local community and key workers keeping our country going, through to business leaders supporting their people and families juggling caring responsibilities with work – I have learned that role models really do come in all shapes and sizes.
Dr Halima Begum, chief executive, the Runnymede Trust: One lesson above all has been reiterated to me these last 12 months. From the millions of us who have held families together through lockdown, to vaccine experts such as Prof Sarah Gilbert and heads of government such as (New Zealand’s) Jacinda Ardern, when crisis is upon the world, never underestimate the resilience, selfless dedication and leadership of women. To do so is literally to jeopardise life.
Thangam Debbonaire, Labour MP for Bristol West and shadow secretary for housing: My friends and family have always been very important to me. But over the last year, I have learned how much we need each other when things get tough. After a year spent mostly in my small corner of Bristol, I’ve also got a much deeper appreciation for my local surroundings. This includes the owners of shops and other essential businesses who have been a fundamental part of the local community over this difficult year.
Lolita Chakrabarti, actress and writer: Two things I’ve learned. The first is about the value of good friends and family. It’s really easy to forget about the importance of having those close relationships when you’re rushing about with your work or looking after your kids, but those relationships make you feel better.
The other thing is the importance of speaking up. It has been such a volatile time over the last 12 months – from the Black Lives Matter movement to the goings-on with (former US president) Donald Trump. All these have been seismic shifts in the world when we’re not allowed to get together and discuss them (due to the pandemic). With the divisiveness present in the world, it’s really important that you don’t let others speak for you. You have to speak your own truth.
Dr Farzana Hussain, NHS clinical director and GP: Living through the Covid pandemic, being a mum and a GP; and taking on my first national role as a healthcare leader in the past year, it has been both busy and exciting. I have
learned that it is possible to achieve our goals by being compassionate and working in collaboration. My role model is (New Zealand prime minister) Jacinda Ardern who has shown the world how to lead and keep the people of her country safe. Providing healthcare and saving lives have never been more important, and I am so privileged to be a GP. I feel that being kind to each other is more important than ever in these times.
Dr Binita Kane, NHS consultant respiratory physician: Having worked on the NHS frontline during the pandemic over the past 12 months, I have learned to focus on self-care and practice gratitude for much that I had taken for granted. Working more from home has given me the opportunity to do small but beautiful things – lunch with my family, an afternoon walk, listening to birdsong. I feel that among the madness and devastation of Covid-19, I have been able to pause and see the beauty around me in a way I never have before.
Preeya Kalidas, actress: I have learned the importance of gratitude and the ability to have the power to control your own mindset. This past year has been testing in a way that none of us have experienced before, but I didn’t know how much strength and resilience I had until now.
Natasha Rattu, barrister and executive director of Karma Nirvana: I have been astounded by my resilience in adapting to this strange new normal. As a mother of two children, it’s been tough to homeschool, manage a heavy workload (that became heavier due to Covid-19), run a household and stay mentally well through it all. I have also honed in on truly appreciating the little things in life and definitely refined my chocolate chip banana bread recipe too!
Neema Shah, author of Kololo Hill: Although the past 12 months has been challenging in many ways, creatively speaking I’ve been able to take solace in writing and have found that I can not only keep going but thrive in my creative endeavours. As an introvert, it’s also interesting to see how much of society is built around extroverts. Lockdown has had its difficulties, but I’ve certainly welcomed a break from endless social events and gatherings. The pandemic has opened my eyes – and many others I’m sure – to how we can build a fairer, more accessible world.
Adeeba Malik CBE, deputy chief executive of QED Foundation: I have learned two things over the last 12 months. First, I am very lucky and grateful to God for all I have – my health, the people in my life, my wonderful career, the wide-ranging experiences and opportunities I have. Second, the personal sacrifices I am prepared to make to protect my beautiful mum who has been shielding for a year. She means everything to me.
Tell us when you have overcome a gender-based challenge?
Prof Aisha K Gill, PhD CBE, professor of criminology at University of Roehampton: Despite receiving death threats from those who think I have brought shame on my community for naming and calling out violence against women, I remain steadfast in my campaigning and securing justice for black and minority ethnic, and refugee women and girls.
In June 2020, I set up an emergency Covid-19 fund for survivors of abuse with two friends. This emergency ‘no recourse to public funds’ campaign has to date raised more than £65,000. The economic safety of victims and survivors must be guaranteed, and social support available to them extended through proper access to secure housing and welfare services. The government urgently needs transparent decision-making that fosters equity in the distribution of expenditure, including to ‘by and for’ independent, specialist domestic violence and abuse services.
Bushra Nasir CBE DL, CEO of the Drapers’ Multi-Academy Trust and retired head teacher: I was only one of three women who were heads of science – the other 12 were men in Waltham Forest in the 1980s. It was really difficult for us three to get our voices heard at heads of science meetings as they were male dominated. We decided to plan a way forward together which included one of us being elected as chair after one year. The dynamics and the focus of the meetings changed significantly after that.
Sheree Atcheson, computer scientist and global director of diversity, equity and inclusion at Peakon: In an interview process, I found I was described as “arrogant”, despite just clearly saying I was good at what I do. Despite what we have been taught by a patriarchal society, women’s confidence must not be diminished for anyone. Never give anyone the privilege of telling you to be quiet. Own your successes, understand your growth areas and be your own biggest fan.
Halima Khan, founder and managing
director of Opening Boundaries: (I experienced gender-based challenges during) my initial training with the Royal Navy as a reservist. A career with the military has historically been male dominated, coupled with the cultural challenges of being female and coming from a south Asian community. I pushed the limits of “cultural norms” by completing my training and living a life beyond limits. I hope seeing more women and those from diverse communities will encourage others to pursue a career in the armed forces.
THE theme for 2021 International Women’s Day on March 8 is Choose To Challenge.
It is a call to challenge gender bias, celebrate women’s achievements and make a positive difference. It is also a global call for equality, tackling injustice and to make young girls believe they can take on any challenge. Eastern Eye got 21 inspiring women to reveal what made them choose to take on big challenges and key advice they would give women or girls wanting to do the same.
We (women) should never shy away from accepting challenges and should instead convert these challenges into opportunities to create our own story with confidence and fortitude.
Helly Shah (Actress): I’ve always been up for challenges. For me, any sort of challenge is what makes you grow in life, which means you can’t just grow being in your comfort zone always. You have to take risks, take up challenges, come out of your comfort zone and encourage other people to do the same. So, if you wish to do something and feel that it is a little difficult and challenging, just go for it. Even if you fail, you will have learned a lesson for next time, and when you attempt to do it, you’ll do it better, so just go for it.
Rokhsana Fiaz OBE (Mayor of Newham): I’ve always strived to create an equal world because our rights as women are human rights. I’m an advocate for justice and fairness. That’s why, as a political leader and a woman of colour, I continuously push for change so that our voices are heard, our ambitions fostered and our contributions valued. Choosing to challenge, which we do every single day, in every possible way, requires strength and fortitude but, crucially, it shows our courage. It can be scary and tiring; but calling out gender bias and misogyny is also so empowering and a reflection of our confidence. So, to all the ladies and girls reading this: keep on disrupting and choose to challenge for equality.
Gauahar Khan (Actress and TV personality): A woman’s life is full of challenges, ups and downs. I believe everyday should be celebrated as women’s day for our mothers, the way they raised us and the way women are going ahead to achieve goals, which is just incredible. As a woman, I love to take up challenges in life. It gets me going and what’s life without some fun and excitement of crossing hurdles, and making it to the top. My advice to other women would be never hesitate in taking up challenges, working hard and believing in yourself because anything is achievable.
Celina Jaitly (Actress and activist): I truly believe that we should never let our fears prevent us from taking on challenges. I also believe through my personal experiences in life that we have more potential than we think, but we will never know it fully unless we keep challenging ourselves and pushing beyond our own self-imposed limits.
Rumer (Singer-songwriter): I want to take on challenges mostly because I’m curious and have a desire to learn. I always grow and learn, each time I challenge myself, even though I’ve made so many mistakes. My advice would be to take challenges, but don’t sacrifice family life, your health or wellbeing doing so. Look for those to help and guide you. No one achieves great things alone.
Jaswant Narwal (Chief crown prosecutor, Crown Prosecution Service): As a prosecutor, it’s my desire to deliver justice for all. I work with communities to give a voice to victims from all backgrounds, particularly those who are often too afraid to speak up or are simply not heard. I’m committed to shining a light on hidden offences such as forced marriage or honour-based abuse, encouraging victims to come forward and report these crimes, and for all criminal justice agencies to better understand them. As an Asian woman, I say, always believe in yourself, don’t be discouraged by setbacks; it makes you stronger. Influence change that supports equality of opportunity, fairness and inclusion. Follow your drive and passion, and do the right thing, and you will break new ground.
Jini Reddy (Author): I’ve always been driven to follow my curiosity. I once hiked over a 17,500-ft mountain pass in Nepal with a friend, not quite realising the scale of the challenge. Exploring outer and inner landscapes are second nature to me. As a writer, the challenge is to write about such things in a way that is inviting and readable. My advice when embarking on something new is to play the long game; deploy persistence, courage, trust, integrity and the invoking of divine assistance – whatever it takes! A willingness to give it your best and then letting go is key.
Armeena Rana Khan (Actress and activist): I simply ask myself the question: Does this excite me? If yes, then I pursue it knowing full well that excitement is the one emotion that will drag me out of bed on the mornings when the novelty of the challenge has worn off. I would advise anyone else to use the same lens.
Himanshi Khurana (Singer and actress): I believe as a woman nothing is impossible. We are strong, powerful and determined. Once we decide to take it up and achieve it, we have the strength to do it. As for me, I think life is a challenge. If it would be simple, it wouldn’t be as exciting or adventurous. I love to face challenges in life, whether it be taking a difficult project or standing for what is right. I wouldn’t falter, fight for my rights and for the right of others, as well as take up the challenge and prove it to everyone. So yes, I believe women shouldn’t get scared before taking up a challenge and fight bravely to achieve it.
Nia Sharma (Actress): I don’t see any obstacles or new tasks as challenges. Whatever I have done has been part of my work and I have just gone all out to give my very best. I have always been game to do new things and that is the kind of attitude I have. I welcome challenges and don’t see them as any sort of barrier. They are opportunities to do something new. My advice to girls is don’t get held back, bogged down, stopped or controlled by anyone, including someone you are in a relationship with. Retain your unique identity, and remember, no one can stop you from achieving anything or taking on any challenge.
Harshdeep Kaur (Singer and musician): Imagine how boring life would be without any challenges. It’s always the fire to overcome challenges and difficulties that keeps one going. When you set goals for yourself and are able to achieve them, it gives you a sense of satisfaction and happiness that cannot be put in words. My advice to young women and girls would be that you should learn to be independent, and believe in yourself as unconditionally as possible. There’s nothing in the world that you cannot achieve.
Soraya Sikander (Artist): Challenges are a way of growing, pushing one’s boundaries and discovering one’s own strengths as well as presenting new opportunities to better oneself. As an artist and a woman, it is important for me to always challenge myself as a person and for my practice, to push the boundaries of my art, to create new things. I would say to anyone, keep going, keep pushing, raise the bar and never stop.
Drupti Vaja (Nurse and singer): My parents and grandparents were the first contributing factors who have been huge catalysts that have helped shape my passion to take on new challenges. They always pushed me to pursue my dreams within music and nursing, and always continue to sing. To all my women and girls, my biggest piece of advice is develop you skillset, keep creating, work hard and don’t ever give up.
Ashi Singh (Actress): Challenges and obstacles are important parts of life. They give you experience, learning and strength. The feeling of growth makes me choose to take on challenges. My life without challenges would be very simple and I might not grow. So, taking challenges head-on help me to grow and that’s why I always choose different characters. Challenges enable me to do different things, excite me personally, and have made me a better actor and person. Challenges are a reminder that limitations I think I had are, in fact, invalid. Challenges and obstacles is life, in a way, presenting you with a big opportunity for growth and progress. Challenges foster a belief that obstacles are a normal part of life. Knowing one can overcome obstacles, learn from struggles and benefit from mistakes lays a solid foundation for success. There is a famous saying, “the greatest view comes after the greatest climb” and I personally found it to be true.
Rubina Dilaik (Actress): I choose to take up on challenges because I strongly believe that once we put ourselves through challenges, our innate potential just comes to play. The more we go through challenges, the more polished we become. To all the girls who are wanting to do the same, just be authentic and never shun away from any challenge that comes your way because these challenges only determine the path towards your own success, in whatever field. So, take up the challenge, mould yourself even if it breaks you, get up again and make a beautiful life. Share lessons you learn from your challenges with others, motivate them and pull them up along with you.
Mehreen Syed (Model, activist and philanthropist): Women are the mothers of the world. When they are strong and take on challenges it makes the nations strong. My advice for women is not to be afraid. You can’t live your life being afraid. Be brave, step forward and do the right thing. By doing this, women will change the world for the better.
Raveena Tandon (Actress and activist): Challenges are life’s way of showing you how strong you are and that anything is possible. They are not there to destroy you or pull you down. They will lift you up, if you let them. I choose to take on challenges so I can learn something new, including about myself, and, hopefully, inspire others. My only advice is to be brave and face challenges head on. Your inner power is greater than any obstacle.
Elena Fernandes (Model and actress): Change and growth can only ever come from being challenged. You need to be pushed out of your comfort zone and face new and sometimes difficult times in order to get you from A to Z. Nothing great ever came from being comfortable. If you want change and to truly achieve something, you must take on adversity, be resilient, face your fears and persist.
Surbhi Chandna (Actress): Having a very supportive family from a young age made me believe I can take on any challenge in life. This self-belief and expectations I have of myself make me take on challenges. Each one makes me stronger and makes me believe a little bit more, that “yes I can”. Being strongheaded has always been my asset. My advice is don’t give up, don’t ever get disheartened and always surround yourself with good people who believe in you. Be in an environment where people help you and encourage you to grow. When taking on challenges keep remembering how amazing you are and that you were born a queen.
Jasmin Bhasin (Actress): What drives me to take on challenges is the greed to be successful, grow in life, make my parents feel proud and become an inspiration for others. I want to inspire each and every girl that no matter what our circumstances or what we have been given or not in life, we should keep fighting and giving our best. To always grow in life. I was one of those girls who didn’t have anything and wasn’t given opportunities, but never gave up. I want to show that you can pursue your dreams and have a unique identity. My advice is to have your own set of rules and work with conditions you are comfortable in. Set your boundaries and let no one force you to step out of them. Give your 100 per cent when given an opportunity and never leave space for regret. Make the most every chance and give your best.