Meet Strong Uzma who is on a mission to empower Pakistani women

Women across the globe are subjected to gender discrimination in one way or another, and conditions for Pakistani women are no different. Growing up in Pakistan, Strong Uzma says she came across numerous socio-cultural, socio-economic and religious constraints, at the heart of which lie gender inequality.

Women must abide by social norms and have no voice in matters of importance, including their own basic rights and bodily autonomy. With a population of over 230 million, the fifth most populated country in the world is tightly bound by societal standards that have a significant impact on women’s life in general.

In a world where many individuals become the source of inspiration for countless ordinary people, achieving success marks them as enlightened figures, shaping the trajectories of others’ lives. Often, the public witnesses the pinnacle of their success, yet few grasp the extent of the failures and hardships concealed beneath their achievements.

One such individual is the renowned Pakistani YouTuber, Strong Uzma, hailing from Lahore. While perceived as a successful figure, only a handful is aware of the arduous journey Uzma Strong undertook to attain her strength and success.

MM News engaged with Strong Uzma to unveil her story in her own words, shedding light on the details of her remarkable journey. The inquiry arises as to why the appellation “Strong” is attached to her name, prompting the revelation of Uzma Strong’s life story, rife with bitterness, setbacks, challenges, and gradual triumphs. Despite the obstacles, she emerged victorious, presenting herself to the world as Strong Uzma.

Responding to MM News, Strong Uzma recounted that her son bestowed the name upon her. Witnessing her relentless hard work and resilience, he perceived her as a strong individual, leading to the incorporation of “Strong” into her name.

Uzma Strong narrated her life’s tale, disclosing her move from a village to Lahore in 2000, where, alongside her father, she toiled to construct a humble abode. In 2005, Uzma, an uneducated rural woman, entered matrimony. However, her husband’s sudden disappearance propelled her to make a life-altering decision, eventually transforming her into Strong Uzma.

Realizing the importance of education for her future, Uzma embarked on a journey from Matriculation to Inter, FA, BA, funding her education through hard work and various odd jobs. Sweeping floors in schools became one of her endeavors to meet expenses.

Facing hardships and waiting in vain for her missing husband, Uzma decided to remarry after obtaining a divorce. Despite securing a good job during her MBA, a severe illness struck her. Contemplating suicide, her son intervened, not only saving her but also suggesting that she share her success story on YouTube.

Initiating her YouTube journey on her son’s advice, Uzma witnessed the platform’s potential for income and impact. Her son’s belief that sharing her story could bring prayers and healing led her to use her income for charitable endeavors. Uzma expressed immense joy in contributing to charity, emphasizing that her success stems from wholehearted and passionate efforts in all her endeavors.

Highlighting her philanthropic work, Uzma mentioned the establishment of five vocational centers from the income generated through YouTube. Currently, she is working on a major project—a free hospital, featuring a kidney dialysis center named after the late singer Asda Abbas.