Self-love’s price: Insights from Zainab Patel, entrepreneur, activist

At SheThePeople’s 40 Over 40 Awards event in Mumbai, Zainab Patel delivered a powerful message urging the audience, particularly women, to embrace their self-identity and practice self-love. Despite the widespread discourse on self-love, Patel highlighted the challenges many face in actually practicing it. In a world that often promotes rigidity and binaries, there’s little room for self-exploration and acceptance, especially for women.

As a transgender activist and diversity catalyst, Patel emphasized that self-love is not selfish. She challenged the notion that women should only fulfill roles as caretakers without expecting love and care in return. Patel, who serves as the National Manager of Health & Human Rights at the UNDP country office in India, received recognition at the event for amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.

During her acceptance speech at the SheThePeople 40 Over 40 Awards, Patel shared her personal journey and highlighted the societal pressures that often undermine women’s self-worth. She acknowledged that many individuals, regardless of gender identity, have been made to feel unlovable at some point in their lives. Patel candidly spoke about the challenges she faced as a transwoman in learning to love herself, emphasizing that self-love comes at a significant cost but is essential for personal well-being and growth.

Patel encouraged the audience to invest in their mental health, emphasizing its importance alongside financial and social investments. She applauded women for their courage in making decisions and being true to themselves, emphasizing that change begins with embracing one’s authentic self.

In her closing remarks, Patel called for thunderous applause, symbolizing empowerment and solidarity, particularly for marginalized communities like trans people. Her speech served as a poignant reminder for individuals to embrace their individuality and to receive love as they give it to the world.

Zainab Patel’s words resonate as a call to action for individuals to prioritize self-love and acceptance, challenging societal norms and expectations. Her message inspires individuals to embrace their identities, regardless of societal pressures, and to advocate for mental well-being as a crucial aspect of personal development. Patel’s speech serves as a beacon of empowerment and inclusivity, reminding us all of the importance of self-love in navigating life’s challenges and celebrating our uniqueness.

Re-reported the article originally published in She the people