Women who inspire me

My mother.

I am inspired by the women who run their own businesses, who run non-profits, who serve in public office, and who contribute their energies to ensure that the world is a welcoming, safe and vital place to live.

Bilkis, sat in the midst of a crowd, surrounded by young women who were protesting with placards displaying verses of revolution. With prayer beads in one hand and the national flag in the other, Bilkis became the voice of the marginalized in India, an 82-year-old who would sit at a protest site from 8 a.m. to midnight.

Bilkis

She has been sitting there ever since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government passed the Citizenship Amendment Act, which could block Muslims from citizenship in the country, in December, and she continued through the cold winter. Bilkis, along with thousands of women who joined her in Shaheen Bagh, a neighborhood in New Delhi, became the symbol of resistance in a nation where the voices of women and minorities were being systematically drowned out by the majoritarian politics of the Modi regime. Bilkis gave hope and strength to activists and student leaders who were being thrown behind bars for standing up for the unpopular truth in a democracy.

In a parting note, she said: “I will sit here till blood stops flowing in my veins so the children of this country and the world breathe the air of justice and equality.” Bilkis deserves recognition so the world acknowledges the power of resistance against tyranny.

Ayyub is an Indian journalist and the author of Gujarat Files: Anatomy of a Cover Up

Sustainable Sourcing

Sustainable sourcing has become an increasingly important consideration in interior design as more and more people seek to reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainable practices. In order to source sustainable products, it’s essential to consider the environmental impact of the materials and processes used in their production. 

Look for products made from sustainable materials, such as recycled or upcycled materials, organic cotton, or sustainably harvested wood. Another important consideration is the energy and water usage associated with the production of the product, as well as the transportation and packaging involved in getting the product to its final destination. 

When possible, look for products that are made locally, as this can help reduce the environmental impact of transportation. Additionally, look for products that are certified as sustainable by reputable organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). By sourcing sustainable products, designers can reduce their environmental impact and promote ethical and socially responsible practices within the industry.

Advice

My number one piece of advice for women who want to live a more bold and courageous life is just do it! And I would add adopting two lessons I have given my own son to live by in following his quests; never burn a bridge (ok, sometimes they get torched, but it can’t be without a soul searching attempt to avoid it), and own your integrity (at any cost). 

It’s great to be able to list a pedigree education focused on a particular vocation. Interesting, but it far underestimates what you are capable of. What type of activities make time whiz by and leave you energized? What are your core skills? Are you good in a crisis? If you look back at your life, you will find these patterns. Grab them, and explore how to play them to your advantage.

Most of all, experiment.

I find myself recommending some steps to follow:

  1. Raise your hand. Some of the most transformational experiences of my life came from being ‘thrown off the back of the boat’ in what seemed an impossible assignment in the midst of a grand crisis. My boss said, “You will figure it out”. Oh my … sheer terror. But he was right, in a crisis you reach deep down inside and find the answers are there. Stunning life lesson.
  2. Ask for the job. Women often won’t apply for a job. “But I only have 6 out of the 8 requirements!” Eh gads, there are guys who have only 2 and are lining up at the door.
  3. Work for leaders. They will teach you.  The great ones are very hard on you…because they want you to grow. Growing as a leader is what it’s all about. You have to create your own style of leadership…but listen, watch and learn from the best.
  4. Trust your intuition. We all have this skill, but it takes effort to hone it. The biggest mistakes I’ve ever made is not listening when I sensed the warnings and decided to ignore them.
  5. Take risks. Somehow I ended up in five different industries and three different professions. It wasn’t some brilliant grand design. But I took risks and got on the surfboard to ride the wave. There were some terrific near drownings AND some spectacular rides. But I’m not done yet and neither are you.