An Instagram star, a social media influencer, a university student, a passionate believer in women’s rights and a hard working individual: these are just some of the brilliant characteristic that define Hamna Ayub.
With 135,000 loyal followers on Instagram, the Pakistan based Instagram star frequently uses her brilliant platform to speak up for women’s rights and for many other positive causes as well.
But I wanted to know more about her, for example, how did the fame start, what are some the challenges Hamna Ayub faces as a female social media star and I also wanted to know how she deals with some of the hate that characterises a certain part of the online world.
During the interview we also conversed about what advice she would like to give to fellow young people during these dark and troubling times, what the positive sides are of being an Instagram celebrity and what she would do to help women in Pakistan.
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Raza Hussain: What first motivated you to become an Instagram celebrity?
Hamna Ayub: I was about 15 when Musically App was newly launched and it was so fun. I participated in challenges and all, I made an Instagram account and started posting them here as well. In a year or so my audience started growing very fast and I ended up here.
Raza Hussain: What’s the most positive part of being an Instagram star?
Hamna Ayub: The most positive part about being a social media star is all the love you receive. Gives you so much strength and confidence. Some people are so supportive and loving, just like family, it makes me feel so happy how appreciative some people are. They keep me going.
Raza Hussain: As a female Instagram celebrity, what are some the challenges you face in terms of ‘nasty comments’, trolling and general online harassment?
Hamna Ayub: The biggest challenge would be the so-called “haram police”, as I am a Hijabi, people assume I cannot do anything else other than wear a veil and stay at home. It’s hard for people to see women like me being a public figure and hence, they think it’s their top most duty to tell me to take off the hijab if I wanna be what I am or else I should quit it all and go pray. Also, people attacking me with hate for being tan/dark skinned.
Raza Hussain: And, how do you deal with this?
Hamna Ayub: Well it’s been five years since I have been doing this, all I do is hit the block button. But my mom on the contrary gets pretty mad at these comments, she is usually fighting back in the comments, protecting me. Which is like, super sweet and makes me realise what a big support and blessing she is to me. One of the major reasons why these things don’t get to me, I have her support, all that I need.
Raza Hussain: Based on some of your Insta stories, you seem incredibly passionate about women’s rights (as we should all be) but what’s the one thing you wish you could do to help every girl and woman in Pakistan?
Hamna Ayub: Ahh one thing? I have sooo many in my mind. I think the first objective should be to let them have a voice. They AT LEAST deserve to be heard before anything. Women raise their voices for their rights and they are told off right away. The least we can do is, let them speak, let them be heard.
Raza Hussain: If you could change one thing about Instagram – and about the wider social media world – what would it be and why?
Hamna Ayub: I think we need to appreciate efforts above all. I have seen so many people working so hard on their content and not getting the recognition they deserve while others are posting quite questionable content and they get recognition like ANYTHING, it’s unfair I believe. Good content should be the measure of talent, rather than what a person looks like, or what they wear, or how much wealth do they have.
Raza Hussain: To end on a slightly lighter note, what advice would you like to give to young people in Pakistan and elsewhere during these troubling times?
Hamna Ayub: I, myself, am having troubles living through these stressful times but all I would suggest is that, I know this whole routine is very disturbing and frustrating. Just try to keep your chill, do not argue with anyone at home (since you’d be staying with them for a long time now, you need to be at peace). Also, pray a lot and try to keep yourself busy with things you like to do, so you do not get enough time to focus on the negative things. Stay at home, stay safe and take care of your family. Lots of prayers for everyone.
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Raza Hussain is an award-winning writer: the Extra-Mile winner of the News Quest Young Reporter Scheme 2014 and the recipient of the ‘Talent for Writing’ certificate by Young Writers. He was also awarded the ‘Prize for Outstanding achievement is Sociology‘. Twitter: @M_Raza5 | Instagram: @M.Raza.H_
