Amreen Ahmed : A Woman of Worth

Why we need WOW!!

In a scene of the recently released movie “Sonchiriya,” there is one terrific scene, in which a female dacoit tells the other female, that women are such second-class citizens that they don’t even deserve being a part of the brutal caste system. Although the movie depicts a time long gone still , the challenges faced by women remain even today. Through this series- “Women of Worth” we intend to bring out stories of these ordinary yet extraordinary women who have faced umpteen challenges in life and surfaced as a winner in different walks of life. These stories will inspire encourage and amaze all of us.

This week we bring you “Amreen Ahmed” Cheif Coordinator of Pravah Jaipur Initiative. Pravah Jaipur Initiative (PJI), an incubation was set up in 2007. PJI is a youth-led and youth-centric organization, which offers a non-judgmental, non-threatening space to young people of the city to explore, express and engage on self and social issues.

of Pravah Jaipur Initiative. Pravah Jaipur Initiative (PJI), an incubation was set up in 2007. PJI is a youth-led and youth-centric organization, which offers a non-judgmental, non-threatening space to young people of the city to explore, express and engage on self and social issues.

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Amreen – Work, Life and Style

Amreen is one of those courageous souls with the grit to make her passion her career. She feels  “Social Development sector is probably one of the few sectors which primarily offers Job satisfaction in this cut throat world.”  The ability to freely work on herself but not at the expense of others. Not To climb a corporate ladder but. Instead, to help others climb up the social order. This thinking inspired Amreen to work in this field.

Working with Pravah I got the chance to be truly myself and express. At the same time, it allowed me to grow. The change I saw was not
ephemeral but deep and strong motivated by a sense of understanding of the other.

-Amreen Ahmed

Challenge Accepted!!

Challenge is a synonym of life for Amreen. For Amreen they were no less. Especially being from a society which is relatively less progress towards working women. She faced more than her fare share of challenges. Her first and foremost idea was to know what the self wants. On that she spent a lot of time to build clarity.

“Your challenges come from three sources – Self, family & parents and then the society. The key is how you strategize.
Keeping my parents in the loop of my things and making sure that they know all important stuff was my strategy to gel with my parents. “

-Amreen Ahmed

All the support one needs..

One might feel that being too much open to your parents will make them paranoid. They will question every decision of your life .But Amreen is an example to understand that communicating bridges the gap. It helps parents to not only understand us but also support us when needed. This communication was the key when Amreen, who, being a Muslim decided to marry Shantanu –a Hindu .

“Our parents genuinely love us and care for us. Unlike the popular misconception, they are very much malleable. If one has the confidence and spirit to take one’s life forward, parents instead of blocking, add to your growth.”

Her parents and Pravah were a major support system for her. Specially when she decided to go forward with her marriage. Amreen says that once your friends and family are there to support your society doesn’t remain a tough nut to crack. One should just know that decisions have different consequences. Once you decide on something, just be ready to face the consequences – support will follow eventually.

Amreen is an example for everyone who struggles to balance work and life. Working in development sector instead of a 9 to5 Job and coming from a Muslim family, marrying a Hindu and also keeping it all together and still working for the others – she is a true inspiration and model. Teaching life skills and decision making to adolescents, we wondered what small piece of advice she has for the youngsters in decision making. In the times where information is flooded and opportunities abundant, one is left confused.

The Mantra – “Believe in Yourself”

“Whatever you want to do, talk to 5 different people working in that field. If one takes decision in his/her own imagination one finds difficult to balance in the decision which is emotionally and logically sound.”

Amreen Ahmed

She believes that humans are inherently helpful in nature and the anxiety one develops in asking questions, is imaginary. Her strong sense of self and sheer courage to take everything head-on with grace makes her our Women of Worth.