Women’s day is all about celebrating and recognizing women, their identity and staggering power as they are the true changemakers in today’s age. It’s also about acknowledging women who have defied the traditional norms and have ambitiously followed their passion with vigor and power. This women’s day, join us as we celebrate the drive, strength and potency of Pakistani women who have paved their own way amidst platitudinous and conventionalized mind frames of society and have given a voice and purpose to their strong identities and aspirational hope to many other women. In honor of all the women making a difference, here are three super women who have truly inspired us with their talent and strength.
Rabia is undeniably one of the most recognized faces in the entertainment industry and is vastly known for her heartfelt digital celebrity interviews and drama reviews. She is a true modern-day representation of a multi-faceted working woman, as she creates the perfect balance between motherhood and her professional life. Rabia’s love and passion for entertainment along with her understanding of the media prompted her to curate her brainchild, Fuchsia, which is a lifestyle and fashion magazine. She also owns an event management firm – Sublime Events which is the parent company of Fuchsia. Rabia actively oversees the conceptualization of various areas of work, and her in-depth association with the entertainment industry and expertise in a wide range of mediums is truly commendable. She is also actively involved in various social causes; she has created many equal opportunities for under privileged kids, and she aspires to tackle more meaningful issues in the future. Rabia truly is a passionate, highly motivated career-oriented woman who loves to curate a balance between her personal and professional life. On this woman’s day get to know her more with an enlightening conversation as she talks about cultural shifts for women and their struggle in finding passion.
1. You think this journey was different because you are a woman?/p>
No, I don’t think it was that different just because I was a woman. Yes, sometimes it would get difficult because I would not be allowed to visit some locations, be very selective about my opinions. You have to be very responsible about how you conduct yourself, but that’s just a very small part. I wouldn’t say that because of this my entire journey was affected.
2. You think it is important to be passionate about what you do?
Definitely, I think not just passionate, extremely passionate about what you do. If you will be passionate only then will you be able to counter back after every unsuccessful journey, and only then will you be able to make sacrifices and enjoy the process of what you are doing along the way.
3. What is your own personal style?
I think its minimalistic, funky and a lot more eastern and modest.
4. Who is somebody that you look up to, style-wise?
I think there are different people who I looked up to at different phases and points in my life. I think for me whenever I look at someone’s style and feel that it resonates with one of my personal qualities. It can be Mahira Khan sometimes, Sajal sometimes and even Hania wearing jeans with a T-shirt. So, totally depends on who I’m looking at, on what point in my life.
5. You think it is important to have a sense of style in the industry?/p>
Definitely, I think it’s very important. A lot of people are looking at you and you are knowingly and unknowingly, influencing a lot of minds. You can give courage to people who aspire to be like you. You can promote your roots and culture through your style.
6. What’s the one piece of clothing that you always have in your wardrobe?
One is very difficult; I mean there are always two to three essentials at least. For me, plain jeans, one simple kurta with embroidery and a panelled frock.
7. What is your life motto personally and professionally?
My life motto keeps on changing depending upon the stage of life I am on. But basically, to sum it up, it is that no matter what you do, pour your heart and soul in it. Give all your ideas a try no matter what people may think. No matter how stupid it seems, just give it a try.
3. Have you always been a singer?
I’ve always been a singer, not a professional one but I have always been singing as far as I can remember and my mother told me when I was very little probably like one or two I used to sing myself to sleep and then the first time I performed on stage was when I was five I think.
4. Who was your favorite singer growing up?
Miley Cyrus, aka Hannah Montana I was a huge fan. I mean she still is. She is one of my favorite singers.
5. What do you like most about her, other than her singing?
I mean she’s really pretty and I love how funny and charismatic she was and I loved her style because she is really stylish
6. Do you think her style somehow influences yours?
No, I just appreciate her style but I like to keep mine separate.
7. What’s your personal style?
Minimalistic and comfortable I would say, just like how I’m dressed now for the interview.
8. Are you a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl?
Kind of yeah but also traditional, depends on the day kind of mood I’m in.
9. Your favorite thing to wear?
A fitted shalwar kameez with a khulla dupatta
10. Does style play part in how you grow as a singer?
Maybe I think because you want to wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident on stage so yes, I think.
11. Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years
I do not know and I do not plan on knowing and I’m okay with not knowing. Uncertainty is good.,
Hajra Khan is truly an inspiration as her journey is all about perseverance and persistence. Defying hard-coded stereotypes from an early age of 14, her monumental success comes with continuous exertion and passion. As a child she was adamant on paving her own path, and with her eyes set on the goal, Hajra has single handedly managed to reshape the football landscape of Pakistan and its future for women. She is the only female footballer to have scored more than a hundred goals in her club career and at just a mere age of 20 has led National Football team as a captain. Her adroitness and virtuosity in the sport has been internationally recognized as her journey has empowered women to be seen as equal to men. Along with her inspiring journey, she is also an active mental health advocate who continues to break through the odds with passion, strong diligence and tenacity. Being an athlete is about facing innumerous challenges but Hajra’s journey is a testament that success isn’t as farfetched as we make it to be. Read more about her early journey and venturing into football, highs and lows in the field, and more as she candidly talks about herself in a heartfelt conversation with us!
1. What’s your earliest memory of playing sports?
Ever since I was a little kid I have always been into sports, always active, always playing. I also grew up among all male cousins so you know, it was a very competitive environment. At 11 I started running track for Pakistan. I used to run long distances, representing Pakistan abroad as well and then fast forward, football actually started when my mom took me for provincial trials and I made the cut. I started playing football at 14, at 16 I was in the national team, at 18 I became vice captain at 20 I became the captain for Pakistan women’s national team. Yeah, it has been quite a journey.
2. What’s your earliest memory of playing football?
I got my jaw dislocated, somebody kicked me in the jaw and it got dislocated. I didn’t tell my mom because I was enjoying the sport and I didn’t want her to worry
3. How has it been so far?
It’s been great so far, honestly. Pursuing sports as a career specially football in Pakistan was a tough ride. I knew I was taking up a challenge but I had to prove to everybody that women are not fragile because football has ben labelled as a male dominated sport. But I feel like it’s changing now and to be part of the process of bringing that change has been a great journey.
4. How would you describe your own sense of style?
I think my sense of style is something that I feel confident in and is something in which I can represent myself and I can express myself in.
5. Who do you think is the most stylish person in the world right now?
I don’t know, that is like a very vast question but how I dress up is if I’m looking good in the mirror and feeling like yes, we are running the show today that that is good to go. I don’t have to look at anybody. I need to look good by myself.
6. Are you a jeans or t-shirt kind of girl or shalwar kameez?
I can mix them both up, why not both!
7. What’s your favorite thing to wear?
On a regular day probably the comfiest sweatpants and a sweatshirt.
8. Obviously, you are an inspiration for so many girls, how do you want to take it froward?
I think I’ve been in the sport for a while and I have been through a lot of challenges and I do want to make sure that girls in the future who are aspiring athletes or sportswoman don’t go through the same. We marginalize the youth a lot and that’s what I want to change.
Following their pursuits in varying career paths, these women are a modern-day representation of what it means to be empowered. Their journeys are a beacon of hope and wisdom to many other women who are uncovering their passion or are stymied by lack of opportunities. At Sapphire, we pledge to create the change that we want to see in the world for women and wish a very Happy Women’s Day to all the women we love, admire, and look up to!