Rising Beyond the Ceiling

Celebrating Achievements, Changing Stereotypes, Creating Leadership Capacities



There is a stereotype narrative surrounding Muslim women in India.  However, the millions of Indian women who identify themselves as Muslim reach across a spectrum of ethnicities and languages, states and union territories, do not look the same or sound the same, and contribute towards nation building in a wide variety of ways.  The Rising Beyond The Ceiling initiative, born out of the need to change the stereotypical narrative, is a celebration of Indian Muslim women. The focus of this initiative is to shine a spotlight on Muslim women in India, their leadership and contributions in Independent India, as well as study their demographics and socioeconomic trends.  While this cohort comprises of over a hundred million women, there is limited information and data on their contributions to India's fabric, socioeconomic growth and development.  This is the first compendium and initiative to focus on nation building contributions by Muslim women of India. 
The women spotlighted here from across the states of India do many amazing things- they fly drones and planes, they serve in the police and army, they are skeet shooters and bike riders, they write books and poetry,  create art, play hockey and tennis championships, administer and govern, advocate for social issues, serve as lawyers, scientists and doctors, are entrepreneurs, politicians, media and corporate professionals and are substantive contributors to the progress of the country. I continue to learn about and talk to Muslim women from different parts of the country. They have diversified my perspective and showed that Muslim women are not a monolith.  Inspired by their stories we are shedding other people's narrow definitions of success and of us- Indian Muslim women.  The stories are for all young women and girls in India to seek their inspiration, role models and mentors in their own districts and neighborhoods and to be inspirations themselves to future generations.  

We continue to welcome your feedback and nominations of inspiring Muslim women of India at: RisingBeyondTheCeiling@gmail.com  
                                                                               

Celebrating achievements, Changing stereotypes, Creating leadership capacities


Rising Beyond The Ceiling  (RBTC) was born out of the need to change the stereotypical narrative about Muslim women in India. The hundred million Indian women, who identify themselves as Muslim, reach across a spectrum of ethnicities and languages, states, and union territories, do not look the same or sound the same, and contribute to nation building in a wide variety of ways.   Rising Beyond The Ceiling celebrates the achievements, endeavor, and diversity of Muslim women in India aiming to drive a new narrative. The initiative aims to make inspiring stories of Muslim women more visible, provide positive role models for future generations, nurturing young women's confidence and ambition in all spheres. 
Uttar Pradesh is the first chapter of this unique collective completed in December 2021.  Kerala, Karnataka publications were released in November 2022.   Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and other states are in the pipeline for release in 2023.  Click here to access all our publications. 
'Chapters from Individual States of India' are under development and are in the process of being identified and listed, including a ‘Global inspirations’ compendium of Muslim women from India who are making their mark in countries across the world. 
 'Inspirations from the Past' includes  those amazing Muslim women who are not with us now, but on whose shoulders we stand today. 
We  also welcome nominations to our amazing  RBTC Under 30 Achievers compendium. 
Research and Analytics The population of Muslim women in India is estimated to be 100 million today. This is a large cohort, larger than many countries in the world and many Indian states. However, there is limited research, data and analysis on this demographic. This initiative  curates research, analytics and evidence on the socioeconomic and development trends among Indian Muslim women. A compendium of studies and publications on this subject is being put together to build a repertoire of evidence and information to inform policy and programming.  Check this out at  https://www.inspiringindianmuslimwomen.org/research-analytics.
RBTC Women's Mentorship ProgrammeWhile the focus of Rising Beyond The Ceiling is on the journeys that were travelled by Muslim women achievers, the stories are envisaged to nurture confidence and ambition among all women and girls. The honorees also serve as mentors for the RBTC Women’s Mentorship Programme which is open to young women 18 to 25 years of age from all faiths. For young women, seeing many other women of dramatically different backgrounds, achieving in a range of professions, is a strong signal that success and service come in many forms, and everyone gets to pick their own icons. This women's mentorship programme is open to ALL young women and girls living in India and is ongoing. The inspiring role model mentors are Muslim women in various professions. The programme is free of cost.  Apply at : https://www.inspiringindianmuslimwomen.org/womens-mentorship-program. 
RBTC  Art and Social Change InitiativeRising Beyond The Ceiling recognizes the intersection of art and social change and the potential of engaging critical questions of social change within contemporary art.  In June 2022 RBTC hosted the first edition of the art exhibition “Women Depicting Women: Her Voice & Her Vision”. 187 artworks were submitted for this exhibit by over 100 women artists. They capture the diversity and different perceptions, share aspects of women’s lives and their stories, and advocate for a new narrative.  Check out our RBTC Art Catalogue and Initiative at:   https://www.inspiringindianmuslimwomen.org/art-exhibition-women-depicting-women.

EDITORS: FARAH USMANI, FAIZA ABBASI & SABIHA AHMAD
A first ever collective of its kind, Rising Beyond The Ceiling shares stereotype shattering stories of courage, grit, and service of contemporary Muslim women from the state of Uttar Pradesh.  
Over 100 million Indian women, who identify themselves as Muslim, reach across a spectrum of ethnicities and languages, states and union territories, do not look the same or sound the same, and contribute to India’s growth and development in a variety of ways. Of these nearly a quarter, over 22 million, are from Uttar Pradesh, a population larger than many countries of the world. Rising Beyond The Ceiling aims to change the stereotype narrative surrounding Muslim women in India, doing so in an integrated way, with collaboration of all faiths.
The 'RBTC 100 Women' celebrated in this book capture the diversity and exemplary accomplishments of Uttar Pradesh’s Muslim women across a range of professions. The positive role models in the book will inspire all women and girls in India, and around the world, at every stage of their lives, in all areas of endeavor and open a door to new ambitions. For young women, seeing so many other women of dramatically different backgrounds, achieving in a range of professions, is a strong signal that success and service come in many forms, and everyone gets to pick their own icons.
The publication is available on Amazon at:  https://www.amazon.com/Rising-Beyond-Ceiling-stereotype-shattering-stories-ebook/dp/B0B8PKZVT1
For your free E-Book write to risingbeyondtheceiling@gmail.com 

 Contributing to Nation Building in Myriad Ways 

Inspirations from Politics

Globally women's representation in parliaments and ministerial positions is only 22 percent. India ranks among the lowest twenty countries at only 14% representation of women in parliament today. The women roles modes here have made their mark as elected representatives, from a spectrum of political parties- Congress, PDP, BJP, AIDMK, Janata Dal and AAP. They have served/are serving as State Governor, Chief Ministers of Assam and Kashmir, in ministerial positions in Government of India and State Governments such as Tamil Nadu, as Deputy Speaker of Rajya Sabha, Mayors and Corporators of metropolitan cities, including being the youngest Mayor of Mangalore.  

Achieving Academic Excellence

The Sachar Committee report provides dis-aggregated information on the percentage of women in India, who have completed higher education. While the percentage of Muslim women with higher education (above Bachelors degree ) is only x%, there are many women who have achieved excellence and reached the highest echelons as professors, university vice chancellors, members of planning commission and national commission on women, historians, scientists and researchers.  Their contributions have been in  diverse fields ranging from social science, public health, environment as well as toxicology, nematology, women's issues, Sankskrit and Persian, where they have received national recognition,  including with Padmashri awards in the last two categories.  

Shattering Stereotypes in Uniform

Women's representation in formal work force continues to be very low in India compare to many other countries (add link). In areas such as police  and forces, it is further limited. These women here have broken stereotypes through serving in the Indian police service, steering as airline and marine pilots, serving in protection forces such as of the Railway and others. They are working across the  states from Bihar, Gujarat and  Himachal Pradesh to Northeast and  West Bengal and have been recognized as India's first woman marine pilot, and receive the "Nari Shakti", highest national award for women.  

Shining in Sports 

The sports women have been shining in tennis, hockey, cricket, pistol shooting to kickboxing. They have represented India in the National Women's Hockey and Cricket Teams, won gold medals at the Commonwealth games, participated in the cricket World Cup, won six Grand Slam titles in Tennis, won the gold in world kickboxing championship in 2016 and have set national record in air pistol shooting, They are Padmashri recipient, their name has figured in Time's "50 Heroes of Asia",  they have been recognized as world champion and served as UN Goodwill ambassador to End Violence Against Women. Click link for details Shining in Sports 

Leadership in Administration 

While still low, there is increasing representation of women in the Indian Civil Services. The women here are examples of perseverance and hard work to qualify in the rigorous selection process and get recruited to serve in a range of civil services from Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service to Indian Revenue service. They are serving the country as district magistrates, as India's ambassador and representing the country in diplomatic forums and contributing to policy making and have also received the Padma award for administrative excellence.  

Making an Impact through Media

You would have seen, read and heard these television and investigative journalists, political analysts, columnists, editors, anchors, producers and chat show hosts, special correspondents, news readers and video bloggers. They have challenged issues, authored books, founded digital papers, been profiled globally by the New Yorker/Time, received awards and recognition including of most resilient journalist,  outstanding women journalists, global shining light among others. 

Creative Contributors to the Arts

These talented women have made their impact in various forms of creative arts - as actors, producers, choreographers, India's first women Sufi singer, and painter and dancer who has been recognized nationally and internationally. They have won global women in cinema awards, Padmashri, served as goodwill ambassadors for social causes including with the United Nations,  represented India and won international pageants as well as  critics awards. The actors have risen to introduce a new genres with their contributions to parallel cinema and have been recognized for playing unconventional roles and as artists broken away from the mainstream representational form choosing the trajectory of conceptual art, explored interpretations and innovations in dance and music forms.

Change Makers in Social Sector 

These women have been working for the development of different communities and populations across the country. They have established and lead foundations, collectives and educational institutions.  Their areas of impact include education of backward populations, women's education, revival of handicrafts and empowerment of artisans, people with special needs and human rights issues. They have made a difference in the lives of many Indians and have been recognized for their contribution to the country, including through national Padmashri award as well as globally through the Rafto Prize for Human Rights and BBC 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world in 2019.

Professionals Building the Nation 

This inspiring group of women are contributing through policy, practice and institutional building. Their areas of expertise range from  medicine and law to science and education. They are heading public sector institutions as Dean of a medical sciences, Supreme Court judge and lawyer, serving the nation with their expertise in Education policy and Unani medicine, providing innovations as aviation  robotics professional and scientist at ISRO- Indian Science Research Organization. 

Strides in the Corporate World 

Globally women's representation in corporate sector, in particular in managerial positions and corner suites is very limited. However, these amazing women are serving as Executive Director, General and Senior Managers, Executive Vice Chairperson,  Director of corporate communications, at various companies including Cipla, Tatasons, Nokia, Workhart, Prestige Group, among others bringing innovation and change. 

Taking Forward Entrepreneurship 

These innovative entrepreneurs are founders and CEOs of the organizations they have built through their grit and perseverance. Their passion areas range from taking herbal beauty products globally to innovations and training in fashion and design; from establishing schools to promoting educations reforms; pioneering Biotech, developing IT apps as well as grass root sanitary products. They have impacted hundreds and thousands with their creative programmes and pioneering products and have received accolades from the communities and government, including the "Nari Shakti" and CEO5000.  

Impassioned Authors and Poets 

They are literary historians, fiction writers, critics, political analysts, authors, poets and film lyricists. They are also feminists and activists. They write, publish and recite in Urdu, Hindi and  English and are widely known and appreciated by their readership, listeners and followers.  They are multi-faceted, running initiatives devoted to the popularization of Hindi-Urdu literature and culture, writing blogs and journals, activists and have also founded women and welfare resource centres.

RBTC Team

Founder &  Chairperson : Dr. Farah K. Usmani
Research Team: Alishah Ali (Delhi), Rushda Patel (Maharashtra), Sadhiya Shiraj (Kerala), Shifa Qureishi (Madhya Pradesh) Huma Hashmy (Media Category), Nida Khan (Uttar Pradesh), Paran Amitava (Global), Sadaf Hussain (Uttar Pradesh), Manal Ahmed ( Madhya Pradesh)   
State Coordinators:  
  • Sabiha Ahmad, RBTC Uttar Pradesh  
  • Miriam Fozia Rahman ,  RBTC Delhi
  • Shaheen Usmani, RBTC Kerala 
  • Yasmeen Haider, RBTC Tamil Nadu
  • Sahana Ahmed, RBTC, West Bengal
  • Mehnaaz Nadiadwala,  RBTC Maharashtra
  • Faiqa Saulat Khan,  RBTC Madhya Pradesh
  • Zoya Fatehally, RBTC Karnataka

Global Coordinators
  • Rana Ali, New Jersey
  • Shaheen Usmani, New York
  • Nishat Hasan, Texas


 Children's Book Team
  • Illustrator: Aashti Miller, Mumbai  & Writer: Sabah Usmani, New York


FARAH K. USMANI is the Founder and Chairperson of Rising Beyond The Ceiling, a global initiative to shine a spotlight on the achievements of Muslim women of India and contribute towards changing their stereotypical narrative.  Dr. Usmani is an international health and development expert based in New York. She has experience of 25 years working with the United Nations International Civil Service in several countries across all regions of the world and has provided policy, planning, programming, and technical leadership with a focus on women and girls. Farah has also worked with the public sector and non-governmental donor programs in India and is the Executive Director and Vice President of SAFAR Foundation, India. 
Dr. Usmani has received several awards and recognitions as well as merit fellowships from the World Bank and British Council. She is the recipient of the 2021 Mahatma Award for Social Impact for contribution to women, girls, and minorities. Farah has broken several gender stereotypes in her professional and personal life. She is the first women to top the all-India medical entrance examination of Aligarh Muslim University, where she completed her medical studies. She is the first woman from her home state of Uttar Pradesh, and the first Muslim woman from India, to work with the United Nations International Civil Service at Director level in New York. 
Dr. Usmani serves as the Global Vice President of SAFAR- Supporting Action For Advancement and Rights- a philanthropic development foundation focusing on issues of minority and marginalized women and girls in India. She has an M.D. in Obstetrics and Gynecology from Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, India and a Master’s in Health Policy Planning and Financing given jointly by the London School of Economics and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drfarahusmani/https://twitter.com/drfarahusmani

Rising Beyond The Ceiling is Supported by SAFAR Foundation. 

SAFAR stands for Supporting Action For Advancement and Rights, with focus on marginalized and minority women and girls. 

For more information safarsecretariat@gmail.com