Tara Uzra Dawood, a Harvard law graduate, counts tens of thousands of women in her fan base. LADIESFUND power lunches, award ceremonies and networking get-togethers bring together elite professionals and important philanthropists as well as women whose success stories have yet to be written. Helping women has been a part of her business. She says she firmly believes in providing women with the resources they need for financial empowerment. She has been a significant influencer, telling women: “You have the power to be anything you want.”

Excerpts from a recent interview follow:

The News on Sunday: How do you describe your role in social networking?

TARA UZRA DAWOOD: I have an inclusive mindset and approach. I share our women empowerment projects online. This means that I post about my life, particularly about the projects we are doing for LADIESFUND. I also like to promote brands, especially unique brands and women SMEs, to help them get noticed and to encourage others to give them business. A lot of people have been very kind to get engaged, not just as observers but also as donors, volunteers and ambassadors and to follow. It is rare for me to post anything about my for-profit or board work. I keep that part of my life out of the social media.

TNS: What is the significance of social networking?

TUD: Social networking refers to the use of internet-based social media sites to stay connected with friends, family, colleagues, or customers. The most popular sites are Twitter, Facebook/ Meta, Instagram and LinkedIn. Social networking is not just a construct for logistical facilitation but also a genuine opportunity to connect with others. This had not been possible only a few decades ago. Given the state of technology, we can now share our lives and milestones - both happy and sad - with one another in real time. This brings out the ‘humanness’ in us.

I use mainly Facebook/ Meta and Instagram. I have never tried to create a network. It is more like a personal journal that welcomes my friends and family, and followers to engage with kindness, excitement and empathy. I post about things that make me happy or interest me.

TNS: What do you think of the talent you have come across in this country?

TUD: The talent in Pakistan is phenomenal; the women are world-class. We began the LADIESFUND Women’s Awards for Pakistan on March 8, 2008, in memory of the late Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who had been my mentor. I had won the Harvard Law School International Fellowship during my third year at law school. The initiative was meant to show one another and the rest of the world that there were incredible women around. We are now in the 14th year and there is an abundance of amazing women to choose from.

Currently, the economy is struggling. Pakistan needs its citizens to retain hope, buy local and fight the brain drain. When we buy from local brands, SMEs and one another, the economy grows stronger and becomes robust.

TNS: What about the challenges you have faced in this regard?

TUD: Building a brand like LADIESFUND has been a unique challenge. Building an organic following and community engagement require patience. All the work I do is purpose-driven. It fuels my passion and attracts its own tribe.

TNS: Can you tell us about the people that surround you?

TUD: I’ve been very blessed to be born in a close-knit, loving family. My parents and brother have always encouraged me and showered me with love and support.

TNS: What drives your ambition?

TUD: I’m a big believer in intentionality, purpose-driven work and authentic living. I am constantly striving to be more me. I’m a people person and enjoy including and engaging with others. I also value my time and fiercely protect my private life.

TNS: How does it feel to be successful as an influencer?

TUD: All of it is God’s barakah… our standing and our influence can go up or down as He wills. I feel very grateful and humbled.

TNS: What can be done for girls’ education in Pakistan?

TUD: It is very important that girls as well as boys be educated. It is a right of every child. The law gives this right to girls in Pakistan. The culture, however, can sometimes hold them back.

TNS: What does women’s empowerment mean to you?

TUD: It’s very important for everyone to be self-actualised. Women’s empowerment is a means to help women evolve into their true selves and contribute to the society. They are almost 50 percent of the population. They need to be recognised, encouraged and facilitated.

TNS: What advice do you have given the current economic situation?

TUD: Currently, the economy is struggling… Pakistan needs its citizens to retain hope, buy local and fight the brain drain. When we buy from local brands, SMEs and from one another, the economy gets stronger and becomes more robust.

When local businesses see money coming their way, they have more courage to continue operations – manufacturing and marketing. Once this cycle comes into play, our people won’t feel the need to move abroad. Instead, they will want to live, work and invest in Pakistan. I believe Pakistan is a great nation, and the future is very exciting.

The writer is known for her articles on socio-cultural impact