In Conversation With Shahnaz Husain

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the inimitable Shahnaz Husain speaks to about empowerment, women’s equality and her contribution to the hair and beauty industry.

Q What are your thoughts on International Women’s Day?

A Each year’s Women’s Day event is celebrated with a theme—my thoughts are in line with these. This year’s theme continues from the one last year, ‘Pledge for Parity’, concerning gender parity. The 2017 theme ‘Be Bold For Change’ indicates that despite the achievement of women in various fields, a 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 realise their limitless potential.

Q What does woman empowerment mean to you?