‘Be bold for change’

An acclaimed Herbal and Beauty expert and an enterprising entrepreneur who has earned worldwide recognition, Shahnaz Hussain in a chat with         Daily Excelsior Correspondents, speaks on various issues concerning women.
Excerpts of the interview:
What are your thoughts this International Women’s Day?
Last year’s theme was “Pledge for Parity” in an effort to narrow down the gender gap. In 2017, the theme also concerns the gender, which has actually widened. The theme for this year is “Be Bold For Change.” Despite the achievement of women in various fields, change is needed in order to bridge the gender gap and achieve equality. Bold steps need to be taken. Each and every one of us can contribute towards this. Yes, each of us can be a leader in her own community or group or “sphere of influence.” We can take action at the individual level, or collectively, in different areas, like education, vocational training, skill development, gender bias in the family and at the work place and so on. We need to come together to help women move forward and realize their limitless potential.
What does women empowerment mean to you?
To me, woman empowerment means equipping the woman to be an equal partner with man in all aspects of life and in society. She should have equal decision making power. Man and woman are not rivals. They have to work together, shoulder to shoulder, as equals and as partners. I believe that whether a woman is educated or not, she wants to be respected and treated equally. That is inherent in her nature. She has the right to establish her own identity and realize her own dreams and ambitions.
I also believe that financial independence is an important aspect of woman empowerment. I have encouraged many women to take up a beauty course and start beauty salons in their own homes, so that they can have a career and also take care of home and family. This has given them financial independence, confidence and strength. The woman does not have to endure and suffer in silence. She has to realize her own potential and strength as an equal member of the society. Of course, education is a must. Changes cannot come from outside and by force. It has to come from within the society. The change can be complete when society recognizes that the woman is a separate individual, with a separate identity, with her own dreams and wishes.
What is your idea of a beautiful woman?
A beautiful woman is not necessarily one who has been endowed with classic features, but one who has learnt to value herself physically, mentally, emotionally and even spiritually. She has beauty power, brain power and spiritual power. She has a radiance and vitality that comes from sheer good health and physical fitness, along with appropriate external care. She not only has a flawless skin, shiny hair, a slim and supple body, but also self-confidence and self-assurance. I think the personality is most important. A beautiful woman is not like a painting on the wall, to be admired from afar. She is a real and vital person who, through her interaction with others, leaves behind the fragrance of a personality that is impossible to forget.
What is your message regarding the need for women’s safety?
We should follow this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Be Bold for Change.” The recent incidents on New Year’s Eve in Bangalore and Delhi sent shockwaves across our country. If a group of inebriated men lose their mental balance, how can the onus be put on women? We hear talk of influences of Western culture on women with regard to dress and lifestyle. I would like to ask, “Which culture is influencing these men?” Surely, it is not Indian culture, because our culture believes in respecting, revering and protecting our mothers, sisters, wives and women in general. I wonder if such incidents have shaken our conscience and strengthened the resolve to change mindsets. I feel the problem is basically a social one. Women must have equal standing within the family. It is at home that the boy learns to respect and honour women. If the women in the family are treated with respect and equality, the male children will do the same. Both son and daughter should be treated equally and given equal opportunities. Of course, better law enforcement and a more secure environment are needed for the prevention of such incidents. But, I must reiterate that social change and empowerment of women should begin at home and in our minds.
I believe you have been invited a Conference at Harvard Business School.?
Yes, I attended a Harvard Conference in Mumbai on 13th February on Creating Emerging Markets, of which I am a subject. Professors Geoffrey Jones and Tarun Khanna of Harvard Business School participated in the Conference, which was held at Taj Lands End Hotel in Mumbai. The event was built around the video interviews conducted by Harvard on how business leaders have Created Emerging Markets. My video interview will be a part of the curriculum for Harvard management students. Earlier I had spoken at Harvard Business School on how I created an international brand without commercial advertising, subsequently becoming a Harvard Case Study on Brand Creation.
What about your contribution to Skill Development? How can it help Woman Empowerment
I believe that financial independence and self-reliance is necessary for woman empowerment. We are involved in implementing Government Skill Development projects in the Beauty & Wellness business. We have tied up with a group in West Bengal and the projects are being extended to other states too. Over 40, 000 under-privileged women have been trained and certified till now by my Beauty Training Academy. The idea is to empower and unleash the huge potential lying dormant amongst the under-privileged womenfolk. This is done by harnessing their skills through a methodical and structured training program in the beauty & personal care business. At the end of the training programme, they receive certification, which is recognized by the business, market and financial institutions. They can then be hired and their training and talent may be used. The students can start their own home based business too, without relocating from home. They can also freelance. After the training, a complete toolkit, with all the amenities related to Beauty & Wellness, has been provided to these beneficiaries by the Shahnaz Husain Group, to make them self-reliant. We also participated in a program on skill development, “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas,” held by the Central Government, in which we contributed by training and certifying over 6000 under-privileged women.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here