Ms SEPTEMBER 1, 2013
ISSUE NO. 63
A Touch of Modernity
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Dreams Take Flight In a field dominated by men, this woman stands out
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inside mother superior — Is your growing bump getting in the way of your professional growth?
domestic goddess —
A Parsi pleasure
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Section In-Charge: Batool Zehra
Fashion frontman
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Ms
the buzz
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 1, 2013
Boarding the flight of dreams by Sumaiya Lakhani
Nida Farid’s journey as an aerospace engineer shows that women can conquer the world with hardwork and perseverance As a journalist, I am often taken to task for my choice of vocation. Most of the time, people find my choice of profession odd, given that I am a woman. And while gender stereotypes, including which professions are ‘suitable’ for women, are not unique to Pakistan, they hold particular sway in this part of the world. With women working as designers, models, doctors and even corporate leaders these days, people’s attitudes are undergoing a slow change. Still, when a woman is associated with planes, we expect her to be a flight attendant rather than the pilot. Which is why meeting Nida Farid, a bright and talented aerospace engineer, is such a pleasant surprise. Nida decided on her dream early on and has not looked back ever since. “I think this is one profession where inspiration hits you in your childhood. My mother’s side of the family is from India so I travelled very frequently when I was young and I always found planes magical — they connected me to my family and became a source of great fascination.” In Pakistani society, entering an unconventional profession is no easy task, even if you’re a man, and women can face even greater hurdles in pursuing their passion. It was no different for Nida. When her parents learned of her aspirations to join the aerospace industry, she was met with a barrage of questions and concerns aimed at dissuading her. In response, she proposed even more outrageous options, ranging from international diplomacy to war reporting. Finally, she succeeded in convincing her parents to let her go to MIT for the programme of her choice. “At the time I
Thanks to the image portrayed by the media, Muslim women are often stereotyped to appear uneducated and repressed, and the locals would be quite surprised to discover that this bright aerospace engineer was both a Pakistani and a Muslim
Any inclination in a child to enter a different profession, whether it is liberal arts or sports or something totally out of the box, like wanting to become an astronaut or a scientist, is immediately dismissed as being outrageous and impractical had no option but to go abroad for higher education for the field that I had chosen,” says Nida. While at MIT, engines piqued her interest and she took them on as a specialization, primarily because of the element of chemistry in the engine studies curriculum. Perhaps the biggest concern for the parents of collegebound Pakistani women is the gender disparity in unconventional programmes of study. We have all heard of the skewed male to female ratio at tech institutes like GIKI and FAST-NUCES. Was MIT any different at the time? When asked about the hurdles associated with being in a maledominated field, Nida had a lot to say: “MIT’s policy was to maintain a ratio of 41:59 women to men in the classroom so I hardly felt out of place. However, the situation in the field was completely different. I felt I was adding immensely to the diversity by being a woman while being Muslim and Pakistani.” Since graduating, Nida has made immense contribution to the field of aerospace engineering. After all, how many people get the chance to be part of the creation of the Airbus A 350XWB? She has been the programme manager for manufacturing the electro-structural components of the plane in Switzerland. Currently, she is working as an alternate energy consultant and specialises in wind energy. Given that she was trained to be part of the aerospace
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THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER R 1, 2013
industry, it’s only appropriate that the sky is the limit for her! Nida smiles when she thinks back to the time she spent on the high-profile Airbus project in Switzerland, particularly when she remembers the reaction of the locals at finding out that a Pakistani woman was working in their midst. Thanks to the stereotypes portrayed by the media, Muslim women are often thought to be uneducated and repressed, and the locals would be quite surprised to discover that this bright aerospace engineer was both a Pakistani and a Muslim. As for herself, Nida says that she does not feel particularly special since most of her friends — graduates from Ivy League universities — have similar profiles and are working on highprofile projects around the world. However her accomplishments make it clear that she is both. In realising her dream, she has faced many hurdles. “Since the field is so male-dominated, I often have to try harder to be taken seriously,” says Nida. “In fact, a lot of my peers at university often thought women had it easy because of the quota system. They didn’t accept that we were as good as them, if not better.” This is quite common: when women venture into professions that are traditionally considered the domain of men, they are often deemed inept until they prove themselves. Do men have to face the same taboo when they enter female-dominated professions like nursing and schoollevel teaching? And should other Pakistani women be encourged to tread unknown waters? The systemic dearth of career counselling at the high-school level in Pakistan means that students choose their universities and careers at a time in life when they may be unaware of what the practical world is like and are still exploring their interests and aptitudes. Many people make bad decisions and have to end up living with them. When asked if she had any regrets, Nida responded “Not at all. My parents were a little concerned about the job prospects that would be available after graduating but I’ve made a place for myself and being in a profession that I am so passionate about is fantastic.”
Since the field is so maledominated, I often have to try harder to be taken seriously Perhaps persistance is genius after all. Nida made an interesting observation as far as aerospace engineering is concerned. “Most people who start off in this field end up switching to more conventional fields like Computer Science halfway into their degrees. This generally happens because of parental pressure to pursue a more practical profession.” And she has a point. In Pakistan, parents encourage their children to follow safe and conventional professions like medicine, engineering and accounting because they feel that would ensure a secure future. Any inclination in a child to enter a different profession, whether it is liberal arts or sports or something totally out of the box, like wanting to become an astronaut or a scientist, is immediately dismissed as being outrageous and impractical. This will not only stifle any creativity but will also be a waste of both potential and passion. Nida may have succeeded at convincing her parents to let her go with her instinct. But what if she hadn’t? Where would she be now? And how many people actually give up on their dreams because of family pressure? Too many for comfort.
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en vogue
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 1, 2013
Modern Classics Fahad Hussayn displays his latest couture collection, giving a touch of modernity to time-tested styles and cuts
Coordination: Umer Mushtaq Hair & Make-up: Tony and Guy Designer: Fahad Hussayn Photography & Styling: Azeem Sani Model: Geeti Aara
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 1, 2013
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Ms
mother superior
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 1, 2013
Not everyone loves a pregnant woman You and your husband may be overjoyed after finding out that you are expecting. Your boss? Slighlty less so. Sharing news of your pregnancy can open the floodgates of workplace discrimination from management and co-workers. From hostile looks and unfair treatment to a simple lack of support, employers often penalise female workers for their pregnancy. If you are lucky, your boss will be empathetic to your situation, offering you flexibility as long as you’re able to perform your duties adequately. At the other end of the spectrum are supervisors who will become increasingly rigid as your pregnancy progresses, leaving you with just two options: an unpaid leave of absence or forced resignation. At work, you may have to hear how your productivity has dropped or that you need to become more efficient. In some instances, women are told that the entire department is suffering because of them!
Dr Ghulfam Khan was in her first year of residency when she got pregnant. “I had severe morning sickness and felt tired all the time,” she says. “My supervisor told me to resign and come back after my delivery.” Dr Khan is hardly the first working woman to face such discrimination; Laila Durrani suffered professional setbacks during each of her three pregnancies. After the first pregnancy, her job position was eliminated, after the second it was given to another manager and after the third pregnancy, Laila was stripped of basic employee rights like switching one’s schedule around — all aimed at forcing her to leave. Laila continued working under these unfavorable circumstances until a better job came around.
Is being pregnant affecting your standing at the workplace? by Mahrukh Abbasi
Do work and pregnancy go together? Dr Aisha Jabeen of Medicell strongly feels that women should continue working throughout the pregnancy. “Being active is good for the health of both the mother and the baby in her womb. After the first trimester is over, women become more comfortable with the physical changes they are undergoing and morning sickness, mental fuzziness and lethargy also subside.” While employers certainly need to understand that the first trimester is the hardest period of the pregnancy, particularly for first-time mothers, you should also ensure that your condition does not prevent you from carrying out key responsibilities. Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done: morning sickness may make you late for work every morning and fatigue may put a serious dent in your workplace productivity. The physical and hormonal changes of pregnancy are often accompanied by emotional instability. At such a time, the last thing you want to hear is a goodbye from your boss. While some women can afford the luxury of resigning, for most a joint income is necessary and being forced to resign only adds to the pressure, often causing severe depression and stress.
What should you do? Do your homework Refer to your employee handbook or HR department to inquire about maternity leave policies. Ask other women in the company who have taken similar leave packages. If your company offers maternity leave, make sure you understand whether the leave is paid, unpaid or partially paid and what other benefits the policy offers. Look into your medical insurance policy, and find out what is covered for your pregnancy and when you are on extended leave. Speak to your boss It’s important that you tell your employer before you tell anyone else at the workplace. Prepare yourself to discuss your pregnancy, job requirements and maternity leave with the senior management. Remember, the company’s position and operations are top priority to them and so, they will need to know how you plan on fulfilling your responsibilities. Explore your options First decide if and how you want to work throughout your pregnancy and after delivery. Ask yourself whether you think you will be able to work through most of it? Do you want to start your maternity leave early? Are you interested in working part-time or from home? If you are certain that you can work while you are pregnant, then stay focused and tell your boss. Work with flexibility Your management is concerned about their company’s output and how your working capabilities will affect it. Realise that you will be physically impossible for you to work at the same level as before you conceived. Your manager has the right to know if you are unable to fulfill your current job requirements. If you find your present job is too strenuous, request for a temporary transfer to a less stressful job or ask for a part-time position. Try working from home or request flexible hours, especially in the first trimester.
Stay productive at work • Cut back on other physical activities. • Keep healthy snacks like nuts and granola bars with you at work. • Control your nausea and vomiting by avoiding fatty, sugary foods. • Take short breaks frequently to recharge. • Hire help for house chores.
Choose your leave package While you decide the duration of your time off, your management will also determine how much time they can afford to be without you and what your value to the firm is. Be realistic about your leave, and remember even though companies generally want to be known as ‘family-friendly’ in their maternity leave policies, not every pregnant employee is granted what she needs. If you feel you are being treated unfairly, speak to a colleague you can trust as discussing feelings openly can help clear many misunderstandings and give you a change of perspective. If the colleague agrees, then refer to your contract and speak to your firm’s HR personnel. There are different ways of handling work issues, such as filing a discrimination complaint. However you proceed, make sure you maintain a record of everything, from the ill-treatment and what you did in retaliation to possible solutions to the problem. Keep the management informed at all times so have evidence of what you went through and most importantly, don’t be afraid to stand your ground and speak your mind. Remember it is the HR personnels job to care for the employees and that includes you!
domestic goddess 7
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 1, 2013
Recipe
Ravo (Semolina Pudding) by Dilaira Mondegarian A traditional Parsi dessert, Ravo is a rich and creamy pudding eaten at the start of a meal with sweet yogurt. Whether you like is hot or cold, Ravo will surely sweeten up your day!
Method • Heat oil in a pan, add the semolina and stir until it turns pink. • Add sugar, stirring until it has melted completely.
Ingredients:
• In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add them little by little to the semolina mixture. • Keep stirring until the mixture becomes thick and creamy.
Semolina (Sooji) powder (heaped) 3 tbsp
Sugar (heaped) 3 tbsp
Eggs 4
Almonds (sliced) 2 ounces
Raisins 2 ounces
Pistachios (chopped) 2 ounces
• Garnish with fried almonds, pistachios and raisins and serve.
Oil 3 tbsp
hottie of the week 8
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 1, 2013
Status Born
Single Faisalabad, Pakistan
Birthday
13th July, 1982
Face
75%
Omar Mansoor
Body
80%
Who is he? Attention, fashionistas We present to you Omar Mansoor, a London-based couturier, entrepreneur and a well-known ambassador of Pakistani culture to the UK. This dapper gentleman’s fashion credentials include showcasing Pakistani and international dress collections at the Royal Ascot races, London Fashion Weeks and his fusion avant-garde gowns are attracting increasing attention from the British population. But Omar is not just any regular designer. This hunk enjoys studying history, economics, poetry and sculpture, all of which serve as inspiration for his gowns and dresses. Omar’s uber chic style and playful smile help him look as great on the catwalk as any model would! Add to that the great service Omar does to our country by promoting our heritage and you will have the perfect man!
Talent
75%
Why we love him Omar’s distinctive style — that classic blazer and neatly gelled hair — make him look every bit the gentleman that he is! A hardworking and selfmade man, Omar started his design house from scratch upon graduating from the London College of Fashion and has been working his way up bit by bit ever since. When Omar is not busy dressing celebrities and making a name for himself and his country, he devotes much of his time to charities and nonprofit enterprises including the Edhi Foundation, the British Heart and Cancer Research Foundation and the DIL Trust. He describes himself as an extremely open and outspoken person who simply cannot turn a blind eye to certain issues that affect mankind, such as poverty and hunger. A man of his word, Omar hates it when people commit to something and fail to deliver and so, gives a 100% to everything he does. Good-looking? Check. Successful? Check. Kind-hearted philanthropist? Check too! Really, this guy just seems too good to be true.
What you didn’t know about him If it weren’t for fashion, he would like to run his own advertising agency. His idea of the perfect adventure is a trip to Rome or hiking on Mont Blanc. Omar’s takes guilty pleasure in having a delicious dessert after every meal and is seeking a confident and charming young woman to share it with. So girls, call dibs before someone else does!
Total Package
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