By Shahnaz Husain
The theme for International Women’s Day 2022 is “Gender Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.” I wish to dedicate this day to the empowerment of women, so that they not only contribute to gender equality, but also to issues like climate change, global warming and protection of the environment. An empowered woman can contribute to a sustainable future, ensuring a safe and secure planet for our children. We inhabit a beautiful earth and each one of us has the responsibility to protect it. So, let us all do our bit, at the individual level, to protect the environment and bring nature into the experience of our daily life.
Woman empowerment is not just about one day in the year. It should be an on-going process, so that each of us can focus on the areas that need change and do our bit. Early in my career, I started encouraging ordinary housewives to open salons in their own homes, so that they can become financially independent and also be at home to care for the family. An educated and financially independent woman can realize her own potential and strength as an equal member of society. For gender equality, we have to work for women’s education, vocational training, skill development and women’s safety and security.
I believe that self-reliance and financial independence are so important for women. They give confidence and strength. The woman does not have to endure and suffer in silence. We have to take into consideration women from both urban and rural areas. The quality of life needs to improve in the rural areas, in terms of education, health care, hygiene, etc. Mahatma Gandhi had said, “If you educate a man you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman you educate an entire family.” Great emphasis should be given to every mother to empower her financially and mentally, so that she can inculcate the values of good health, nutrition and education for her children. Indeed, father and mother must ensure equal opportunities for their daughters and also teach their sons to respect women. Changes cannot come from outside and by force. It has to come from within the society, from within the home.
In the coming years, women will be a force to reckon with. My effort has been to inspire women to follow their dreams with faith and courage.
About Shahnaz Husain
Shahnaz Husain, pioneer of the Ayurvedic beauty movement, heads the Shahnaz Husain Group, with a global network of franchise ventures and 375 Ayurvedic formulations. A Case Study at Harvard for Brand Creation, she is now a Harvard Subject for “Emerging Markets” She was honored with the Padma Shri Award and is the first woman in 105 years to receive the World’s Greatest Woman Entrepreneur Award from Success, the U.S. business magazine. Indeed, Shahnaz Husain is a leading international beauty icon.
