AIMUN ANIS MIR

Aimun is a trained Economist and Policy Researcher with an interest in addressing developmental challenges in the Global South. She recently completed her education in MSc Social and Public Policy from the London School of Economics. 

“If you really want something in life, you will work hard for it”

Q: Tell us a few things about you! Your background, your childhood and early beginnings!

I was born and raised in India-administered, Kashmir. I completed my education in Economics and Policy. Ever since I can remember I have been keen on addressing the challenges we all face globally and individually. From enabling access to a good quality of life to bridging the gaps in skills and have a passion for people from various disadvantaged communities.

Q: What are some of the key challenges in your society currently?

The challenges in my society range from socio-economic inequality and poverty to social stigma. The underlying conflict in Kashmir also poses a grave challenge to everyone living here. This ranges from the lack of stable bureaucracy and institutions to threats to a basic quality of life.

Q: Share with us some of the hurdles that you had to overcome in your life so far? How did you handle them?

As growing up in conflict zones go, it is difficult. You need to work ten times as hard as people living in places with peace and security. I believe perseverance, the support of my family and friends, as well as access to the right opportunities at the right time have helped me overcome these hurdles.

Q: Why is the role of a mentor important for you?

It helps streamline your interests and skills into practical ways. With the right mentor, you can achieve your goals while maximising your impact.

Q: Do you have a lesson that life has taught you and you would like to share?  

If you really want something in life, you will work hard for it. If you don't work hard enough, you probably don't want it enough.

Q: Name a project, a foundation or a person in your country that you think is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives! 

I believe all projects which challenge the status quo, build equity and empower people are doing great work. In most cases, grassroots organisations have the power to change the world!

Q: What are some of the challenges that women in your country face and what efforts are being made towards gender equality?

As women today, our identities are intersectional. Individually we might all face different challenges, but collectively we all struggle with societal challenges and loops we need to overcome to achieve our professional goals, the degree of this varies with our intersectional identities. For some women, this could mean access to basic education while others might struggle to access employment opportunities or face sexual harassment in public and private spaces.

Q: Share with us a motto you live by.

To keep moving forward despite anything and everything.

Q: If you had all the money needed to launch the project of your dreams, can you describe what you would do?

I would use it to provide all the people with little resources access to resources that can help them pursue a good quality of life. As well as invest in ventures with unique solutions that can improve various challenges we face individually and collectively, especially the ones led by people with disadvantaged identities. This way the impact of my resources would be multiplied.