"My work at Led By allows me to meet highly driven individuals who want to create an inclusive space and drive conversations around the community's growth. "
-Aleena
Author: Sumyrah Khan
August, 2021.
I have not been scared of taking bold decisions. Be it about my choice of wearing a hijab or career changes, it has always been an expression of choice. Especially since I come from a family where most women don't wear a hijab.
I have experienced biases at a higher intensity since I decided to carry my identity to be visibly Muslim. One of my biggest learning is that I am more conscious about my biases and avoid stereotypes. I stopped myself from having preconceived notions because I realized that people often see me and form an image based on the idea of the hijab, especially around it being forced or a hindrance in pursuing my aspirations.
Over time, I have grown more comfortable about my decision. It was a massive step for me, and to follow it helped me be confident about making big life decisions. I carried that confidence with me, even while making career decisions. I went to Delhi University and did my B.Com (Hons). I joined a multinational organisation where I had a great learning experience. But a need to explore the social sector incessantly bugged me, so I decided to leave my corporate job and pursue the Young India Fellowship,
I joined the social sector after the Fellowship. I worked with a rural healthcare startup before joining Led By Foundation. My work at Led By allows me to meet highly driven individuals who want to create an inclusive space and drive conversations around the community's growth.
LedBy is working to increase the representation of Indian Muslim women in the workplace and to change the narrative of the community being dis-empowered. It might sound ambitious but we need to realize that small wins and conversations catalyze real change. We can all do our bit by contributing in small yet significant ways to create an inclusive story of growth.