From breaking societal norms to transforming a family legacy, Munira Rahman shares her inspiring journey as a businesswoman, global influencer, and advocate for women’s empowerment.
In the heart of the business world, where tradition meets innovation, Munira Rahman stands as a beacon of inspiration. Hailing from an orthodox Bangladeshi Muslim family, Munira dared to challenge societal expectations and carved a path of independence, leadership, and empowerment. Today, as an influential figure in Al Haramain Perfumes and a celebrated global influencer, her journey speaks of resilience, transformation, and a vision to inspire women across the globe.
Breaking Barriers and Pursuing Passions
Munira’s story begins within a culture where traditional expectations for women often defined their roles. However, her unwavering determination and belief in self-expression led her to challenge these norms. She created the Instagram account @travelinmyshoes__, where she documents her experiences as a solo female traveler. Alongside her travels, Munira nurtured her passion for dance, creating choreography and celebrating individuality through movement.
Her decision to join her father’s business, Al Haramain Perfumes, marked a turning point. She entered a male-dominated industry where respect and recognition were hard-earned for a single woman. Munira’s vision and innovative strategies revolutionized the family business, transitioning it from traditional word-of-mouth marketing to a globally recognized brand with a digital presence. Her efforts included targeted campaigns, collaborations with influencers, and participation in prestigious events.
Empowering Women Through Leadership
Munira’s journey has become a source of inspiration for women within her community and beyond. She believes in breaking barriers and empowering women to embrace leadership roles. Her accolades, including the prestigious “Business Woman of the Year” award at the Forttuna Excellence Awards 2024, are a testament to her commitment to excellence and change.
Despite her professional achievements, Munira remains grounded through her creative pursuits. Travel and dance continue to shape her perspective and keep her balanced in a demanding world. As a leader, she envisions a future where women have equal opportunities and confidence to lead.
In this exclusive interview, Munira shares her experiences, challenges, and aspirations to inspire the next generation of female leaders.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
1. You come from an orthodox Bangladeshi Muslim family with traditional expectations for women. How did your upbringing shape your perspective on breaking societal norms, and what inspired you to embark on a path of independence and leadership?
Coming from an orthodox Bangladeshi Muslim family, I was surrounded by traditional expectations that often limited women’s roles. This upbringing gave me the courage to break societal norms and pursue independence and leadership because I wanted to show that women can achieve success while staying true to their values. My journey has been about challenging expectations and creating opportunities for myself and others to follow.
2. Joining a family business with such a strong legacy must have been both exciting and challenging. What were the initial hurdles you faced as a single woman in a male-dominated industry, and how did you help elevate Al Haramain Perfumes into a globally recognized brand?
Joining Al Haramain Perfumes was exciting and challenging, especially as a single woman in a male-dominated industry. One of the initial issues I faced was not being taken seriously and being unable to earn respect in a traditional business environment. To overcome this, I focused on delivering results, modernizing our marketing strategies, transitioning to digital platforms, and expanding our global reach. These efforts helped elevate Al Haramain into a globally recognized brand, blending the richness of our legacy with the innovation needed to connect with modern consumers.
3. Al Haramain Perfumes transitioned from traditional word-of-mouth marketing to a global digital presence under your leadership. What innovative strategies or pivotal moments do you believe were instrumental in achieving this transformation?
The transformation of Al Haramain Perfumes into a global digital brand was a defining milestone in my career. Key strategies included embracing social media, collaborating with influencers, and participating in high-profile events to strengthen brand visibility. One pivotal moment was launching targeted digital campaigns that highlighted the brand’s heritage while appealing to the younger generation. This balance of tradition and innovation allowed us to build a global presence without losing the essence of who we are.
4. Empowering women, particularly from your community, has been a central part of your journey. Can you share how your achievements and struggles have inspired others to embrace leadership roles and challenge cultural expectations?
My struggles to break barriers have shown others that it’s possible to challenge cultural expectations and embrace leadership roles. By sharing my journey, through platforms like TEDx and initiatives such as internship programs for young women, I aim to inspire and support others in realizing their potential. I hope my achievements demonstrate that women can thrive in any field, no matter the obstacles.
5. Your passions extend beyond business, from your work as a travel influencer with over a million followers to your love for dance and choreography. How do these creative pursuits complement your professional life and contribute to your personal growth?
Travelling is something I love; it allows me to explore new places, meet people from different walks of life, and understand how they live. It’s a personal passion that has shaped my perspective and the way I connect with others. Choreography, on the other hand, is my escape. It keeps me sane and brings me so much joy. Coming from a background where such activities weren’t encouraged, holding onto dance has been incredibly meaningful for me. It’s a reminder that pursuing what makes you happy is just as important as working hard. I’m so glad I never let go of it because it’s something that keeps me grounded and balanced.
6. You’ve been honoured with several accolades, including the ‘Business Woman of the Year’ award at the Forttuna Excellence Awards 2024. How do these achievements shape your vision for the future, and what responsibilities come with being a recognized leader in your field?
Being honoured with awards like the Business Woman of the Year at the Forttuna Excellence Awards 2024 motivates me. These recognitions reinforce my commitment to excellence and inspire me to set new goals for the future. With recognition comes the responsibility to be a role model, advocate for positive change, and use my platform to empower others. They drive me to continue pushing boundaries and creating a meaningful impact in my field.
7. Looking to the future, what is your ultimate vision for women’s empowerment within your community and beyond? How do you hope to inspire the next generation of female leaders through your work at Al Haramain Perfumes and your journey as a global influencer?
My ultimate vision is to create a world where women have equal opportunities to lead and succeed. At Al Haramain Perfumes, I hope to continue inspiring future female leaders by fostering an environment where their voices are heard and valued. Through my journey as a global influencer and advocate, I aim to show that leadership and empowerment are within reach for every woman and that breaking barriers today will pave the way for generations to come.
