Woman Empowerment

Women Empowerment

By

Sadaf Fayyaz

(Published in She August Issue)

Gender equality is considered to be the vital concern in the development and welfare of a nation. Therefore, a nation must invest in women’s empowerment for the utmost development and welfare. A nation cannot move ahead without utilizing the experience and knowledge of both the genders. A politically and economically stable society is only assured if these forces are used effectively. Women empowerment is not only restricted to control over financial independence only, but it is a fusion of literacy, employment and health. Women empowerment has a positive relationship with the well being of their families and betterment of their country. Upon asking certain female celebrities belonging to different professions like show business, fashion, life style, management, music and entertainment, they shared their views on Woman Empowerment with us:

 

“Get educated mothers to teach the benefits of education to ignorant mothers. I think it could be a great way of enlightening women and girls.” Shakila Ahmed (Singer & Musician) 

“The issue of human rights and women’s rights is an issue of the greatest importance for Pakistan today. It is so important because -first and foremost - in order to make Pakistan a strong, self-respecting, self-sustaining country, it is essential to build its moral foundations and this cannot be done until justice is done to those who are the weakest and the most vulnerable in society. Abraham Lincoln had said that a nation could not survive half-slave and half-free. Likewise, without establishing gender equality and gender-justice, Pakistan can never become what Allama Iqbal and the Quaid-e-Azam wanted it to be. Economic and military strength, important as they are, cannot stem the rot that has set in through a long period of intellectual myopia and moral bankruptcy. The only way the process of ruin can be reversed is by building, brick by brick, a tradition of respecting the fundamental human rights of all citizens and residents of Pakistan, irrespective of gender, class, and ethnic, sectarian or religious difference.”  Mehrunnisa Hassan (Model, Actress, Classical Dancer and Singer)

“The empowerment of women and the improvement of their political, social, economic and health status is a highly important end in itself. In every society empowering women is a huge resource for social change and the broader fight against global poverty. It is essential for the achievement of sustainable development.” Sobia Nazir (Fashion Designer)

“I believe all women have 'empowerment' within themselves - they just need to recognize their strength and the contribution they are already making on a daily basis to the betterment of our country, as mothers, sisters, teachers, career women etc. The environment and opportunities need to be made more beneficial so that the power within women can surge to the surface. There are many draconian laws relating to women that need to be repealed in Pakistan - this is one of the major ways in which 'empowered' women of Pakistan can make a change for betterment of our country. Women also need to ensure that the correct and equal recognition is given to them as respected, honored and dignified citizens of Pakistan, This recognition needs to be given, starting from the government corridors all the way to individual households.”  Fariha Rashed (CEO Ink Magazine & National Communication Manager Red Bull)

 “In my view, for development and betterment, Pakistan needs a value system that fights corruption not only at the organizational level but also at the level of the institution called the 'family'. If women contributed to the income in the family and (as wives and mothers) instilled the right values, there's hope for things to move in the right direction. The question is whether they are empowered enough through education, career opportunities and an equality-status in the family to do this? Perhaps not! But it’s never too late to start.”Kehkashan Awan (Former Actress and now Industry Consultant at SIRAAT)

“Women Empowerment, for me means, when a woman walks side by side a man in all walks of life. As women if we are not equal then there is no way the world can progress. Woman empowerment means that a woman should not be discriminated in what work she chooses to do, what she wears and should not be tied down to traditions of a culture. She is free and thus can contribute equally as any male member of the society. Without women's empowerment, no country will progress as society needs women to educate, improve on her children, as well as sow the seed for tomorrow, which again means women should be educated and encouraged for further education. A child's education starts at home, and if you have an educated mother, the child is enriched. A man who can lose his job tomorrow can also rely on his wife for support, hence going through fewer traumas in life. Both as equal partners can contribute to a better world.”Sonia Ahmed (President - Miss Pakistan World and Mrs. Pakistan World)

“Women are as powerful and important in the development of our country and the uplifting of society as men. In fact one educated and empowered woman not only changes her own life but also that of her entire family and her future generation.” Nadya Mistry (Fashion Designer)

Until a woman doesn’t feel self-satisfied, she cannot contribute anything towards her family
so the ratio is one unhappy female = 5 unhappy family members.” Mona Jamal (Makeup Artist)

Interview with Shakila Ahmed

Published in The Saturday Post, Issue 192

by

Sadaf Fayyaz

A brilliant singer with splendid vocals and superior classical training, Shakila has really proved herself with her soft and melodic voice. Her versatility comes with her classical, light and pop singing. Born in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Shakila came with some wonderful songs like Toota Jo Aakey, Tumhara Ishq, Aao na Pyar, Khwab Todd do Gey, Bekhudi, Chori Chori and Sehra.

Her multilingual singing in Urdu, Punjabi and Bangla adds more maneuver to her singing. Besides music, writing and painting are two of her passions, but her inborn music knack supersedes other talents.

Tell us something about your childhood, education and background.

My birthplace is Dhaka, Bangladesh. I have done my Masters in mass communication and journalism. Besides these, I have also taken music lessons at The College of Music, Nazrul Academy and Chayanaut; and all three are very celebrated institutes of performing arts.

When and how did you get interested in music?

I was born with a great love and vivid interest for music, and with time I became more passionate about it.

At what age did you start singing?

I started singing in concerts and radio programs as a child artist at the very young age of eight. My teachers realized the potential and selected me for music competitions, where I always returned with trophies. I have been under the pupilage of Gulam Ambia, Sanjeev Dey, Ustad Mohammad and Dilshad Khan.

What were your initial projects? and what languages can you sing in?

I have been singing in Urdu, Bangla, English, Hindi and Punjabi, but I love singing in Urdu and Bangla. In 1990, my first album of Bengali pop songs, namely Hridor Binar Tare, was released by the record label Sargam. At the annual music competition of Dhaka University, I competed with contestants from all over the country in classical music. In 1994, I was invited by Ustad Zakir Hussain to sing a small piece for Little Buddha. Besides this, I also sang some mini Alaaps for the same movie, composed by Ruichi Sakamoto.

How often do you jam?

I believe in jamming all of the time; that’s why I believe I can adjust my vocal cords to every genre of singing. Whether it’s classical or pop, I have no problem. I manage to sing both the genres of music with equal ease and creativity. I have also sung pop songs, my album Kisise Na Kehna is a true representative of western pop music in Urdu.

What is your source of inspiration?

My source of inspiration is nature. I love writing, singing, traveling, reading and discussing philosophy.

Out of all the songs that you have sung, which one is your favorite?

It’s a difficult question; I simply cannot say which one I like the most. I love all of my songs.

What is your record company?

There are many that I have worked with. Sargam is a record label that released my album of Bengali songs; Lips Records released my album Nayee Baat, which received a very good response. I signed up with BMN for two albums, a ghazal and a pop album.

Do you like live performance or studio sessions more?

I like live performances because I find them more exciting and I get an instant feedback, I also find live sessions to be more challenging.

How many concerts have you done so far?

I have done hundreds of concerts all over the world.

What was the first instrument that you learnt playing?

I learnt playing Tanpura and harmonium at the age of twelve. I had a passion for music from the beginning that I couldn’t ignore. Besides continuing my studies, I took music lessons at a very young age.

What is the influence of your music?

I believe my music is influenced by love, poetry, and universality.

Is there any upcoming project that you are working on?

Yes, I am currently working on an album that has a mixed genre of music. I have recently shot a video of a single called Bekhudi which is a hot favorite in the fm charts. What I can say about my next album is that it will have a myriad of flavors of music I feel within me.

What are your favorite bands and musicians?

My favorite bands are Santana and Abba. I admire all of the legends from the east and west.

What is your motivation?

It is to create and embrace. That’s it.

What is your desire and expectation?

I have a great regard for humanity and art. Being an artist, my desire is to live and let live. My biggest expectation is to be loved by people.

Whom have you worked with and, are currently working with?

I have worked with Hariharan (vocalist of Colonial Cousins), Ruichi Sakamoto (the Oscar winning composer of The Last Emperor), Zigsworth, Ustad Sultan Khan and Bhure Khan. I am currently working with Larry Davis and Mike Nathaniel.

How do you take criticism?

I take it positively and as a tool to correct myself. I believe in the value of criticism and its importance. For artists, criticism is something very important. I take it as a lesson to get myself corrected.

What is the genre of your music?

It’s basically Indian classical, ghazal and pop, and this time fusion as well.

How do you define music?

I define music as the best high. For me, it’s everything.

What would you have been, if not a musician?

I cannot imagine not being a musician. It has been, and it is my first priority.

How do you perceive future of music in Pakistan?

I hold an optimistic view on that. I think the future of Pakistani music is very bright, one must see a light ahead to carry on. I hope for the best.

Lastly, what is your message to readers of The Saturday Post?

Keep learning things: The greatest joy lies in learning because it leads to ecstasy. Read, listen, discover and live a good life.