Chennai-born London councillor hopes to inspire young women to enter politics

Forty-four-year-old Rehana Ameer made Chennai proud in March 2017 with this historic achievement, all the while founding her own tech company and being a mother of two. Now, the politician-entrepreneur is in her hometown to inspire others to follow their dreams, as a participant in the ‘Meraki’ speaker series.

“My work as a councillor and being a member of the Labour Party has really been fantastic,” said Ameer.

“Being part of the decision-making process in committee meetings and so on, has helped me influence people’s lives for the better. I had experience in representing London constituents with issues and complaints, prioritising them and getting them resolved with transparency. I also sit on many council committees – community and children’s services, planning and transportation, education, markets and information technology,” added Ameer, who will be speaking on May 4 at the Audi Showroom in Nandanam.

With her focus being on women empowerment through education and business, Ameer hopes to encourage a rising breed of young women to think of politics as a viable career option.

“Women make up 50 per cent of our workforce, and it is only natural that they be considered equal to men. But this is possible only when women support their own kind with empathy, and men continue their progressive stance on inclusivity,” said the politician. “It is important for young girls today to take risks and be ready to face challenges hands-on – that’s the best learning experience I had too,” she added.

She is also the fundraising officer of the Hounslow Central Labour Party Branch and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Ameer, who moved to the UK in 2003 to get a business degree when she was already a mother, kept shuttling between countries visiting her family in India to maintain a healthy work-life balance. The fact that she was also an immigrant was a slight disadvantage when she decided to take the plunge into politics.

“I demanded respect and owned my identity. That really helped me build credibility despite the fact that I was an Asian immigrant. I want women in India to be proud of their background and where they come from – and stop doubting themselves. That’s the first step to achieving goals,” she said.

She also added that politics should be stop being thought of as a ‘dirty’ field. “There is good and bad in every profession. What’s important is to be adaptable. Yes, lives won’t be completely private anymore and you have to watch every step, but it’s all about making the world a better place and I hope today’s women are ready for that,” Ameer said.