Prepare to be inspired
To mark International Women’s Day, we have asked some of the Emirates Woman of the Year 2019 nominees to share their messages of female empowerment.
Ghizlan Guenez, Founder & CEO The Modist
Female empowerment to me is about unlearning all the limiting beliefs and the conditioning that societies imposed on us. And re-educating ourselves and young girls that women can do anything they set their minds to, and that as a woman you should choose a path that works for you, whether that is being at home raising children or being out in the work field building a business. We are all different and are driven by different things and that diversity is what we must embrace.
I have been and continue to be inspired by many women in my life. A cliché response would be my mother, but that’s the truth. Her positivity, love of life and strength are traits that I embraced and live by every day. I am also inspired by the countless number of women in all parts of the world working, raising families, being activists, politicians, artists and doing their best in all aspects of life.
Who you think you are is just a fraction of who you really are. Don’t let anything limit you, you can do ANYTHING that you put your mind to.
Do what you love and what makes you happy, not what society, family or culture thinks is right for you. When we are passionate about what we do we create magic. And keep learning and growing, it’s the most exciting thing about being human.
Being a strong woman means…knowing that your softness and vulnerability is as much a sign of strength as your resilience and perseverance.
Sarah Jones, founder and CEO of Sprii.com
I think it’s almost undefinable because of the weight of expectation that surrounds this. We’re definitely moving away from gender inequality, focusing more on achievements and merits in the workplace, which is a step in the right direction in helping the argument overall. What’s really struck me recently, however, is how much women are supporting other women more vocally and it’s amazing to see. I’ve seen this quote a lot lately – “In a world where you can be anything, be kind” and I think it’s so relevant for the time we live in. It’s a simple message but goes a long way. To me, women are best empowered when they are helping other women to reach their dreams and fulfil their ambitions.
I don’t think there’s just been one. I’m lucky to have lots of great friends and contacts who manage to juggle raising a family with pursuing a career. I struggle with this balance sometimes, and I often think that women who are attempting to “do it all” don’t get enough recognition.
Believe in yourself and your vision – it will happen for you if you’re prepared to put in the hard work and go the extra mile. Surround yourself with likeminded people that raise you up when things are good and will also pick you up when things are tough.
Nikki Meftah, co-founder of EMERGEAST
What would you tell your younger self?
That it is okay to not know! There’s a lot of societal pressure on having to know ‘what you want to be when you grow up’ instead of encouraging creativity or travelling and grasping a deeper understanding of the world.
What is the best piece of advice would you share with the next generation?
Be curious. To keep learning and trying different things. Finding what sparks your creativity and constantly developing a deeper understanding of who you are and what makes you happy will ultimately lead you to your true passion.
Complete this sentence, being a strong woman means…
Speaking your truth and having confidence in yourself and your choices.
Neha Pandey, Artist and Entrepreneur
How do you define female empowerment today?
It is about helping women grow fearlessly. It doesn’t mean bashing opposite gender instead creating an environment for women to safely practice that which enhances them socially, mentally, emotionally – and contribute towards a happier society in a positive way.
What female figure in your life has inspired you?
Many have but obviously the one I watched growing up – my mum. Her resilience is what I think I absorbed the most to survive through the toughest times and I still do.
What would you tell your younger self?
I wish I was fearless and believed in myself earlier on than believing in what people around defined for me.
Laila Mostafa Abdullatif Director General, Emirates Nature-WWF
How do you define female empowerment today?
Letting go of who you think you should be and embracing who you are.
What female figure in your life has inspired you?
I was surrounded by extraordinary women growing up. My mother in particular has an amazing ability to love and nurture those around her, she taught me about quiet strength and the importance of making a positive difference.
What is the best piece of advice would you share with the next generation?
Challenge yourself to make a positive impact every single day. Make sure that you leave this world a better place than you found it.
Complete this sentence, being a strong woman means…
Being vulnerable, being real, being open, and always lifting up those around you.
Dr h.c. Tessy de Nassau Director and Co-Founder, Professors Without Borders
How do you define female empowerment today?
No backstabbing and jealousy between female co-workers and more listening to each other instead of competing with one another.
What female figure in your life has inspired you?
There are many. However, if i need to chose one now which inspired me especially in these volatile political times i would say Alexandra Ocasio Cortez. Not because of Bernie Sanders but because of the way she dissects the political elite for their double standards such as on healthcare reforms, child maintenance, etc
What would you tell your younger self?
Live more in the moment and respect your own body more.
Complete this sentence, being a strong woman means…
Being Kind as only women who are grounded and confident with their own self are able to be non judgemental and kind.
Hjayceelyn M.Quintana, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the UAE
How do you define female empowerment today?
Female empowerment is when women feel safe and secure to be themselves and achieve their full potential in life.
What female figure in your life has inspired you?
The Bible character Queen Esther. Just at the right time, she allowed her life to be used to save her people, with boldness and without deception. I look forward to my own “Esther moments.”
What would you tell your younger self?
To eat vegetables more…
What is the best piece of advice would you share with the next generation?
To thrive and be kind.
Complete this sentence, being a strong woman means…
becoming an inspiration to many young girls who are looking for role models.
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