FARAH TAHAR

Farah is a self-motivated and result-driven digital media executive with over 15 years of global experience creating and identifying strategic partnerships. Her expertise lies in creating and identifying new business opportunities in challenging environments, cultivating and maintaining relationships with business partners, and developing new partnerships with digital and linear media channels to drive the sales and distribution of content.

“Education is the key to unlocking human potential”

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

I come from a diverse background, having been born and raised in Kenya. My parents have South Asian roots, which adds a rich cultural dimension to my upbringing. Growing up in Kenya, I was surrounded by people from various cultures and backgrounds. From an early age, diversity has a profound impact on my worldview. It has taught me the value of understanding cultural nuances. I have come to appreciate the richness that comes from embracing different traditions, languages, and ways of life. This upbringing has shaped my identity and influenced the way I interact with the world around me.

I have always been someone who takes on life with courage and passion. I am not afraid to try new things or take risks, as evidenced by my travels to 73 countries which included a few adventure moments. I bungee jumped over a 100m high bridge in Zimbabwe, went skydiving (13,000 feet) in Dubai, and summited Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m) with three female friends.

I have nurtured my creativity as a self-taught artist, consistently exploring new artistic expressions and allowing my imagination to wander freely.

Over the past 17 years, I have built my career in the media industry, working across Africa, the USA, the Middle East, Asia and I'm currently residing in the UK.

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

One issue I've encountered is the traditional expectations imposed on women, especially in my heritage, where there is a strong emphasis on the role of women in the family and a responsibility to conform to societal norms. The expectation to prioritise marriage and starting a family immediately after university can be overwhelming and can hinder women from pursuing their own aspirations and goals.

I chose a different path by prioritising education and travel as pillars of stability and self-development. I believed in the importance of seeking personal growth and empowerment.

One of the most significant milestones in my journey has been receiving the McCormick Scholarship in 2012, which granted me the opportunity to pursue a Masters Degree in Journalism at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communication. Being chosen as one of only six candidates each year for this esteemed scholarship programme is an honour that I deeply cherish. I share this achievement not only as a personal source of pride but also as an inspiration for breaking barriers and defying societal expectations.

To address the challenges faced by women in my society and beyond, it is crucial to promote gender equality, challenge traditional gender roles, and provide equal opportunities for everyone to pursue their dreams and fulfill their potential.

Recognising the importance of a strong family system, it is essential to foster an environment where women can actively participate in decision-making and have the freedom to pursue their passions while also contributing to the well-being of their families.

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

I have encountered several hurdles in my life, and each has presented its own set of challenges.

One significant hurdle I faced was overcoming societal expectations and stereotypes related to cultural norms. As a woman of South East Asian descent, there were traditional expectations placed upon me that I had to defy in order to pursue my own path.

It required breaking free from the notion that my role was solely defined by marriage and family. This journey involved facing societal pressures and navigating through moments of doubt and criticism. To handle these hurdles, I focused on developing a strong sense of self-belief and confidence. I dedicated myself to education and personal growth. I pursued opportunities to expand my knowledge, enhance my skills, and challenge myself intellectually.

Education became an empowering tool to overcome societal barriers and break free from limitations. I took time to understand my values, passions, and strengths, which helped me maintain a sense of purpose and direction. Engaging in activities that brought me joy, such as travelling and exploring different cultures, provided me with a broader perspective and renewed energy to face challenges head-on.

Ultimately, resilience and perseverance were crucial in overcoming these hurdles.

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

The role of a mentor is incredibly important to me because I recognise that I am not perfect and there is always room for improvement.

Regardless of the stage of life I am in, I firmly believe that we all need guidance and support to continue growing and evolving. I am constantly open to learning and curious about expanding my knowledge and skills.

A mentor provides valuable insights and perspectives that I may not have considered on my own. Moreover, a mentor serves as a source of inspiration and motivation. They push me to step outside of my comfort zone, explore new possibilities, and embrace opportunities for personal and professional growth.

I value the mentor-mentee relationship as a two-way street. While a mentor offers their guidance, I also bring my own diverse global experiences and perspectives to the table. This exchange of knowledge and ideas creates a dynamic and enriching learning environment.

I am always open to learning, eager to expand my horizons.

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

One of the most important lessons life has taught me is the value of taking risks and believing in oneself. Coming from a humble background, I defied societal pressures and made the decision to go back to complete my graduate education in the US. It was a daunting step, but I firmly believed that I deserved a chance to pursue my dreams and create a better future for myself.

Throughout that journey, I learned the true meaning of perseverance and patience. There were moments of uncertainty and challenges along the way, but I never lost sight of my goals. I embraced the process, knowing that success often requires hard work and determination. Taking the risk to further my education opened doors to new opportunities and expanded my horizons. It taught me that we are not defined by our circumstances or limitations imposed upon us. We all deserve a chance to learn, grow, and make a positive impact in our lives and the lives of others.

So, my lesson to share is this: Don't be afraid to take risks, even if it means going against societal expectations. Believe in yourself and your capabilities. Embrace perseverance and patience as your guiding principles. With dedication and a belief in your own potential, you can overcome obstacles and achieve remarkable things.

Remember, we are not all perfect, but we all deserve a chance to pursue our passions and create a fulfilling life. Never underestimate the power of education and personal growth. It can transform your life in ways you may have never imagined.

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! 

As a Pan-Africanist, I would like to share an example of a person who is changing the lives of people across Africa through entrepreneurship.

Tony Elumelu, a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and philanthropist, has made a tremendous impact across Africa through his transformative initiatives. One project that he is spearheading is The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF). This foundation has a pan-African focus and is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and catalyzing economic development across the continent.

The TEF runs the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP), which has become a game-changer for aspiring African entrepreneurs. TEEP identifies, mentors, and provides funding to thousands of entrepreneurs from diverse sectors and countries throughout Africa. These entrepreneurs receive a comprehensive training programme, mentorship from seasoned business leaders, and seed capital to launch or scale their ventures. By supporting entrepreneurship, he recognises the potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and foster innovation across Africa.

Tony Elumelu's visionary leadership and commitment to changing lives has had a ripple effect across the African continent. His efforts have not only empowered entrepreneurs but have also inspired others to invest in Africa's potential.

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

Mama Rachel Ruto, the wife of Kenya’s President William Ruto, has been actively involved in initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges faced by women in Kenya and promoting gender equality. Some of the challenges that women in Kenya face include limited access to education, healthcare disparities, gender-based violence, economic inequalities, and underrepresentation in leadership positions.

Through her Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO), she has been at the forefront of empowering women across the country. JOYWO focuses on providing women with skills, resources, and support to enhance their socio-economic status and overall well-being. The organisation has implemented various programmes such as entrepreneurship training, financial literacy workshops, and mentorship initiatives to equip women with the knowledge and tools necessary to start and grow their own businesses. These efforts aim to uplift women economically and enable them to be self-reliant. Her efforts play a crucial role in empowering women, advocating for their rights, and creating opportunities for their socio-economic advancement.

Q: Share with us a motto you live by. 

"Embrace the Journey, Embrace Growth"

This is a motto that I live by and it guides my approach to life. I believe that every experience, whether positive or challenging, presents an opportunity for growth and personal development. Instead of fearing change or resisting new experiences, I choose to embrace them with an open mind and a willingness to learn. By embracing the journey, I allow myself to step out of my comfort zone, take risks, and explore new paths. I understand that life is a continuous process of learning and evolving, and I strive to make the most of every opportunity that comes my way.

This motto encourages me to embrace challenges as opportunities for personal growth. It reminds me to approach setbacks and obstacles with resilience and a positive mindset, knowing that they are stepping stones towards becoming a stronger and wiser individual.

I also apply this motto to my interactions with others. I believe in embracing diversity and learning from different perspectives. I value the power of collaboration and understand that working together with others can lead to greater innovation and mutual growth.

Overall, "Embrace the Journey, Embrace Growth" reminds me to live life with curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to self-improvement. It serves as a constant reminder to make the most of every experience, celebrate progress, and embrace the continuous journey of personal and professional growth.

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

I am a living testament to the transformative power of education. Access to education has shaped my life and opened doors of opportunity for me. As a result, I am deeply passionate about paying it forward.

In my dream project, I envision establishing a network of educational centres in underserved areas, ensuring that children and adults have the opportunity to receive education. These centres will not only focus on academic learning but also emphasize practical skills development, nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

I also believe that entrepreneurship plays a vital role in driving economic growth and empowering individuals. Therefore, creating a supportive environment for aspiring entrepreneurs in these communities. By establishing mentorship programmes, and access to capital, we can provide the necessary resources and guidance for individuals to start and sustain successful businesses. I am all about promoting gender equality and empowering women. By ensuring equal access to education, economic opportunities, and leadership roles, we can uplift and empower women, creating a more inclusive society.

I am driven by the belief that education is the key to unlocking human potential.

Q: Anything else that you may wish to add? 

I am driven by a deep belief in the power of continuous learning and adaptation. It is through this commitment that I am confident in the ability to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and make a lasting impact.

By embracing a mindset of growth and remaining open to new ideas, I am dedicated to pursuing excellence and creating positive change in all aspects of my life and work.