Yes, we know. 2020 was just the worst one yet. But let’s face it, the year taught us so many things we could never have learnt if it wasn’t the hard way. In our first blog, we’ve tried to reflect back on the year 2020 and identify women who’ve been recognized for their prowess, strengths and aptitude in all walks of life. We hope that these incredible women help you bounce back with a new vigour for the days ahead of you.

Sanaa Khan

One of the Pakistani ladies to be recognised for their competence is Sanaa Khan – a program manager at Google, who was lately made it to the Forbes 30 under 30 list of North America. She has lead initiatives like Stadia’s Free Play Days by Google for financially constrained gamers. She also leads a scholarship program for women developers, says Forbes.

Myra Qureshi & Rema Taseer

The two founders (and sisters) of a Pakistani skincare brand, Conatural, Myra Qureshi and Rema Taseer secured a Pre-Series A funding of $825,000 in November 2020 from a group of well-known, experienced investors.

Their brand is focused on the manufacturing and retailing of organic beauty products specially developed for the South Asian skin type. The two founders believe in empowering women in the truest sense – around 50% of Conatural's staff are females!

Aliza Ayaz

A young Pakistani student, born and raised in the UAE, Aliza Ayaz has been appointed as the Youth Envoy for Sustainable Development Goals. She’s the second Pakistani student after Malala Yousafzai to be selected as the UN Youth Ambassador. She is also the first ever international representative at the UK House of Lords.

Now studying at UCL (University College London), the young climate activist is set to change the world for good.

Sania Nishtar

A Pakistani physician, cardiologist, author and activist, Sania is one of BBC’s 100 inspiring and influential women of 2020. Among many things, Dr Nishtar happens to be the current Special Assistant on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety to the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

“Covid-19 presents us with a one-in-a-generation chance to build a fair world and bring an end to poverty, inequality and climate crisis. For this, women must be equal empowered stakeholders.” says Sania.

She’s also a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on the future of healthcare.

Mahira Khan

We all love her, don’t we? Mahira Khan has yet again made it to the global level as one of BBC’s 100 inspiring and influential women of 2020. Apart from being the diva who gives us fashion goals, Mahira also happens to be a Goodwill ambassador for the UN’s High Commission for Refugees.

Isn’t it amazing to see all these girl bosses? Let’s take inspiration from them and pledge to not just be the best versions of ourselves but also to voluntarily help and support each other to reskill and upskill many people as we can.