Imagine That You Have Been Selected As An Influential Person Of Country For a Week. What Do You Plan To Do For The Country In Just a Week?

I will plan to do a national tour around primary and secondary schools, sharing the struggles that many go through on a daily basis yet struggle to speak up about or against due to feeling ashamed or the topics may be looked down up. Such as mental health and seeking help, speaking up about family violence and sexual assault, drug use, and bullying. Bullying even exists among adults so I find it important to educate children against bullying so it does not lead into their adulthood.

What Got You Where You Are Today?

I am an Australian hijabi, a mental health and inclusivity activist, and a woman who belongs to this society. I want to break the stereotypical cycle of covered women not being seen as fit to be role models. I want to be the voice of women internationally and show that we belong and deserve to take space and how much we choose to show or cover should not determine our beauty or capability to represent. We have seen all walks of life represented but covered women are yet to see representation. I am humbled and grateful for how Australia has embraced me on this journey, showcasing how accepting this country is. 

My dream is to take this opportunity further to continue breaking barriers at an international level. I am here to actively challenge stereotypes and barriers. I, more than anyone, know that breaking away from societal expectations is difficult. I went from opening up a beauty business to support myself whilst studying law, a profession that I knew would please those around me and fulfill their ideas of worth to developing a deep passion for the power of helping others through my beauty work. As I conversed with my clients, I realized that we were all struggling with ideas of self-worth and questioning our place in society. 

I have since left my degree to focus on being a voice for women who are afraid to speak up. An advocate for those, who like me, struggle with mental health, including anxiety and depression. For those who are in situations of family violence, and emotional abuse, and who experience the burden of society trying to fit them into a stereotypical mould. I want to empower them into speaking on issues deemed ‘taboo’ and demand better for themselves. I want to put a stop to many sufferings by using my voice to motivate others to use their voice and take charge and stand up against stereotypes and oppression. I am here for those who have been made to feel like they don’t belong because they look different from the accepted norm. Growing up, I experienced firsthand how it was to be made to feel like my look wasn’t the right one. My on-and-off struggles with Bell’s Palsy facial paralysis made me a target in the schoolyard, making me question my beauty. Further, as a refugee whose parents escaped persecution and whose start in life was in a tent in a refugee camp, I want to represent immigrant-born Australians who have found a home in this diverse country. 

I understand how it feels like to feel you don’t belong to either your parent’s country or the country you live in. My experiences push me, even more, to assert that beauty and worth are not determined by what I choose to wear or by narrow beauty standards, but by what I stand for. I am determined to stand tall and proud for young people who are still questioning their place. I am here to say that you do belong, this world does have space for you,  you are magic, and you are meant to be here. We are all beautiful inspite of our differences. I am proud to represent Australia and to show many that need to see it, that like me you do not have to change a thing to fit in.

Any Personal Message That You Would Like To Share

My hobbies are very few! Some I have had for a while and some I have recently developed a connection with after the ongoing lockdowns we have had in Australia. Due to Covid-19, I have had time to discover them. I have always enjoyed exercising, yes like really enjoyed it as well as hiking. One I developed during lockdown is painting, which I have found so therapeutic. Fun or not so fun fact is that I was born in a tent, in a refugee camp in the deserts.