IWD 2021 - 36

"I truly feel that internalized misogyny among women really does not help women go far” – Dina Zaman, Co-founder, IMAN Research.

What do you remember the most from your childhood? Is there any special memory you’d like to share?  

There are many memories of my childhood. My father travelled for work, so it was delightful. I have many good memories as well as bad hahaha. If anything, my entering a residential school in Malaysia was isolating, but made me who I am today. 

 

 

Growing up, what were those habits that made you the person that you are today? 

Resilience and belief in myself. When I was in that school, I wasn’t pretty, nor popular. The teachers didn't like me and I had very few friends. So I learned to be my own friend and drummed the belief I could do anything I put my mind to.

 

What would you like to share about your family, your bond with them, how do you stay together despite the busy lives we live?  

My mother, sisters, and I am very expressive, which is not very Malay. People think we are very different. But the bond is there despite the dissenting opinions. Thank God for What's App and Instagram!

 

Where do you draw your strengths from? Who or what are the biggest inspirations of your life?  

Gosh. God, of course. But people?  I think it would be my matriarchal ancestors. The women in my family are very strong. My father always tells me to ignore gossip. Not easy to be Malay, you know. Hahaha.

 

What is your formula of balancing your work and personal lives and being an ace in both?  

I make sure my work-life balance is right. I had endometriosis when I was young was a workaholic at that time. I learned after many surgeries to pace myself, to have focus manage time wisely.

 

What disparity do you still see on the gender front at the workplace?  

I truly feel that internalized misogyny among women really does not help women go far. We must stop viewing others as the enemy.  

 

If you would be given the superpower for one day to do something for Women, what would be that?  

If I were given a superpower, I would provide strength in all aspects to all the women!

 

What is the happiest moment of your life that you’d like to share?  

Way too many! 

  

What was the biggest setback in your life and how did you overcome it?  

My endometriosis. I really had to pray hard and focus. I couldn't make it to many work opportunities that came to me because of my illness. But,  I kept telling myself, something better will come.

 

Share any initiative/s you have taken to empower other women if any?  

My friends and I mooted the Southeast Asian Women Peacebuilders Network.

 

Define in your own words - #WorkingWomenWonders  

Lead An Extraordinary Life.

 

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