Shomaila Shamim: From Dependence to Independence

“To aspiring female leaders, my message is simple: believe in your worth, trust your instincts, and never let obstacles define you. Embrace your uniqueness and remember that you have the strength to break barriers and create meaningful change.”

My Beginnings and Inspiration

My sensitivity to women’s issues and the pervasive biases against women, particularly gender inequality, has always driven me to challenge the traditional mindset prevalent in the subcontinent. With a natural inclination toward leadership, I’ve always aspired to work for women and become a strong advocate for gender equality.

After experiencing challenges, myself as a woman, I am passionate about promoting women’s independence. I firmly believe that women are individuals with their own identities and should not be recognized solely in relation to someone else.

Career Start and Initial Challenges

My parents and siblings have always been a pillar of support for me, and they continue to be. However, my real challenges began after getting married to a traditional Asian man with a typical mindset about women. His narcissistic and toxic behavior made those 10 years of my life extremely difficult.

During this time, I realized the true importance of financial independence and having a personal identity as a woman. Motivated by these experiences, I ventured into social work for women and launched an online platform called ‘Womenpreneur Inspires.’ Through this initiative, we organized workshops and networking opportunities to help women develop their skills, grow, and achieve independence.

Growing My Leadership Skills

To develop my leadership skills, I focused on self-awareness, resilience, and learning from every experience. Facing challenges in my personal life taught me the value of empathy and determination, which became the foundation of my leadership approach.

I actively sought opportunities to engage with diverse groups of women, listen to their stories, and understand their struggles, which helped me lead with purpose and authenticity.

Getting Mentored and Mentoring Others

Mentorship has played a significant role in my journey. I learned invaluable lessons from the support of mentors who guided me during critical phases of my career and personal growth.

Subsequently, I embraced the opportunity to mentor others, particularly women, through my platform ‘Womenpreneur Inspires,’ fostering an environment of mutual learning and empowerment. These experiences have not only enhanced my leadership skills but have also strengthened my resolve to advocate for women’s independence and equality.

Turning Point

A significant turning point in my career came during a particularly challenging phase of my personal life, when I was navigating a toxic and restrictive environment. Those experiences deeply highlighted the importance of financial independence and self-identity for women.

It was during this time that I decided to channel my struggles into something meaningful, leading to the creation of my platform, Womenpreneur Inspires.

This initiative became a breakthrough moment, as it allowed me to not only reclaim my sense of purpose but also support other women in their journeys. Organizing workshops and networking events, I witnessed the transformative power of creating opportunities for women to grow, learn, and achieve independence. Seeing these women thrive reaffirmed my belief in my mission and marked a defining moment in my career, shaping the path I continue to follow today.

Major Achievements and Impact

Achievements

One project I am particularly proud of is my initiative, Womenpreneur Inspires. This platform was created from my personal experiences and a strong commitment to empowering women to achieve financial independence and establish their own unique identities.

Through Womenpreneur Inspires, we have organized workshops, training sessions, and networking events to equip women with the tools, skills, and confidence to grow personally and professionally.

Impact

We have supported women entrepreneurs in launching their startups by providing mentorship, financial assistance, and opportunities to exhibit their products.

Our work extends to critical issues such as addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and advocating for the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), ensuring that women have safe and supportive environments.

Additionally, we are actively working to promote and advocate for women-friendly policies related to financial access, taxation, and business development, helping women establish and grow their businesses with fewer barriers.

What makes this initiative especially meaningful is the profound impact it has had on the lives of the women we support. From fostering independence to helping them thrive in their entrepreneurial journeys, every success story reinforces our mission.

With more exciting projects focused on empowering women in the pipeline, which will be disclosed soon, Womenpreneur Inspires remains dedicated to driving meaningful change and creating a brighter, more inclusive future for women.

Integrating Work-Life Balance

For me, work-life integration in leadership is about finding harmony between professional commitments and personal responsibilities while staying true to one’s values. Having experienced significant challenges in my personal life, I’ve learned the importance of setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and aligning my work with my passion, which makes the integration much more fulfilling.

By staying organized and delegating effectively, I ensure that I can balance both aspects without compromising on quality or personal well-being.

Building Strong, Effective Teams

When it comes to building and maintaining strong, effective teams, I believe in fostering an environment of trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. I actively encourage open communication and value the unique perspectives each team member brings.

Empowering others through mentorship, guidance, and recognition of their efforts has always been a cornerstone of my leadership style. I also focus on creating a shared sense of purpose, ensuring that everyone feels connected to our mission and motivated to contribute their best.

Through platforms like Womenpreneur Inspires, I’ve worked to build teams that are not only productive but also deeply invested in our collective goal of empowering women and driving meaningful change.

Personal Reflection

My vision for the future of women in leadership is a world where women are recognized for their talents, ideas, and contributions without being hindered by societal biases or structural barriers.

I envision a future where women are empowered to lead in every field, breaking stereotypes and inspiring the next generation to dream big and achieve more.

I contribute to this vision through my initiative, Womenpreneur Inspires, by creating opportunities for women to develop their skills, achieve financial independence, and establish their unique identities. By providing mentorship, financial support, and platforms to showcase their talents, I aim to help women overcome challenges and step into leadership roles with confidence.

Additionally, I actively advocate for women-friendly policies related to financial access, taxation, and business development, addressing systemic barriers that often hold women back. Through our work on gender-based violence (GBV) and the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), we are ensuring that women have safe and supportive environments to thrive in.

I believe that fostering leadership in women starts with empowering them at every level—whether it's helping them start a small business, develop their entrepreneurial skills, or navigate professional challenges.

With more projects in the pipeline aimed at promoting women in leadership, I remain committed to building a future where women can lead with strength, authenticity, and equality.

Personal Values and Legacy

My leadership style is deeply rooted in personal values shaped by my experiences, challenges, and aspirations. One of my core principles is empathy—understanding the struggles and needs of others has been a driving force behind my work with women through Womenpreneur Inspires. Having faced significant personal challenges, I know the importance of being compassionate and supportive as a leader.

Another key value is resilience. Life’s adversities taught me to persevere and transform challenges into opportunities. This mindset not only guides me but also inspires the women I mentor to believe in their ability to overcome obstacles and succeed.

Integrity is also central to my leadership style. I prioritize honesty, transparency, and accountability in every decision and interaction, ensuring trust within my team and the communities I serve.

Lastly, I strongly believe in inclusivity and collaboration. I value diverse perspectives and actively create spaces where everyone feels heard, respected, and empowered to contribute. My leadership approach focuses on building a shared sense of purpose, fostering growth, and driving meaningful change—particularly for women striving for independence and leadership.

Legacy

I would like to be remembered for my contributions to empowering women, particularly in creating spaces where they can achieve financial independence, build their own identities, and step into leadership roles with confidence. Through Womenpreneur Inspires, I’ve worked to provide mentorship, financial support, and opportunities for women to showcase their talents and grow their businesses.

I also hope to be remembered for advocating for systemic change, especially in developing women-friendly policies related to financial access, taxation, and business development. By addressing these structural barriers, I aim to make it easier for women to thrive as entrepreneurs and leaders.

Furthermore, my efforts in tackling gender-based violence (GBV) and the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) are a critical part of my mission to create safer, more supportive environments for women to succeed.

Ultimately, I want to be known for building a legacy where women are empowered, included, and able to lead with strength, authenticity, and equality, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

My Message to Aspiring Female Leaders

To aspiring female leaders, my message is simple: believe in your worth, trust your instincts, and never let obstacles define you. The road may not always be easy, and there will be moments when you feel challenged or overlooked, but your voice, ideas, and leadership are invaluable. Embrace your uniqueness, and remember that you have the strength to break barriers and create meaningful change.

Seek support from those who empower and uplift you, and don't be afraid to ask for help when needed. Build your confidence, take risks, and use every setback as an opportunity to grow. Know that you are not alone—there is a community of women and allies who are ready to stand with you and support your journey.

As you move forward, be the leader who not only inspires others but also paves the way for future generations of women. Your contributions, no matter how big or small, are powerful and can transform the world. Keep pushing forward, and always remember, your leadership matters.?