Entrepreneur, politician and mother, Hina Butt wears many hats and excels in all of them. In a short span of time, she has become a respected voice for women’s rights, all while continuing to build her fashion house. Areesha Chaudhry talks to her about her journey and how she balances her life

You’re quite an accomplished woman. Tell us a bit about your educational background.

I went to LUMS for my undergrad and MBA and was lucky enough to make it to the Dean’s Honour List both times. From there I decided to delve into International Relations and completed a Masters in it from Middlesex University Dubai. I have also participated in the Global Leadership and Policy course at Harvard Kennedy School.

Take us through your career and your entry into the political arena.

Being a strong advocate of female entrepreneurship, I launched my fashion house Teena by Hina Butt after graduating from LUMS. There I also conducted vocational training for women who desired to be financially independent. For this I collaborated with FACES Pakistan for vocational training programs and market accessibility, where mine and my brand’s role has been to polish the skills of the women, in order to make their products more marketable.

“Being a strong advocate of female entrepreneurship, I launched my fashion house Teena by Hina Butt after graduating from LUMS. There I also conducted vocational training for women who desired to be financially independent”

Politics came about as a result of this programme. I became aware of the dire situation of women’s rights in the country and the lack of opportunities for a large majority of them. It was obvious to me that I’d have greater influence over driving such change through politics; ultimately, I received a reserve seat for women in 2013.

How has politics helped you achieve these goals thus far?

Once in the political system, I strived to create equal opportunities and obtain rights for Pakistani women. This included bills and resolutions that I presented; some of the ones that I am most proud of include the “Child Marriage Prohibition Bill 2013,” “Punjab Home Based Workers Bill 2016” and the “Punjab Domestic Workers Employment Rights Bill 2016.”

I’m also grateful to have served as the General Secretary of the First Women Parliamentary Caucus of Punjab (2015-2016) and am currently serving as the Women Health Representative of the Women Caucus. But, the Women Protection Bill was one of the highlights of that tenure.

You were selected once again in the 2018 elections through the reserve seats. What policy changes are you focusing on this time?

Primarily education. However, I am also actively engaged in obtaining maternity rights for women and have submitted a bill regarding acid and burn victims.

“When you’re trying to challenge the status quo, you’ll face a lot of detractors. However, you need to step out of your comfort zone and pursue your goals with unwavering dedication”

Please tell us how you balance work and your personal life. 

It’s all about priorities. I quite enjoy being a mum, so my son is my priority and I enjoy spending time with him. In the morning it’s politics and the afternoons are with him. Then it’s straight to my business and dinner again with the family. I also ensure that I incorporate working out in my routine.

Any tips to achieve such a balanced life?

Make sure you engage in quality time with your family members: kids, spouse, parents, siblings —this keeps you grounded. And always enjoy your bedtime routine. It relaxes you for the day to come.

What are your thoughts on social media and its relation to all the work that you do?

My social media is very active, especially Twitter. I communicate all that I’m working on, as well as my thoughts on current affairs through this platform. For my business, Instagram has worked brilliantly. In my opinion, social media is like any other tool—one must use it wisely.

You’ve recently represented Pakistan at the World Economic Forum, which is quite prestigious. How did that feel like?

I had been invited by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader —quite prestigious indeed! I was able to meet various heads of state and multiple companies who were interested to invest in Pakistan. My meeting with UNICEF’s director to discuss projects for the Pakistani youth was inspiring.

Recently you submitted a resolution in the Parliament requesting the UN to revoke Priyanka Chopra of her UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadorship. Why is that important to you?

I believe it’s quite contrary to the role of an ambassador of peace to commend military aggression, be it for any country. I felt it was irresponsible for someone in her position to encourage such aggression. Peace can only be achieved if we all work towards it and think of the greater good.

What message would like to give our readers?

When you’re trying to challenge the status quo, you’ll face a lot of detractors.  However, you need to step out of your comfort zone and pursue your goals with unwavering dedication. Achieving your goals justifies the struggle. I’m a firm believer in Allah’s plans for all of us, so I keep faith that the path I’ve been set on will be fulfilling.

Photography: Ali Agha

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