We are delighted to be joined by Ms Hafsah Muhseen, a counsellor, educator, and motivational speaker based in Qatar, widely recognised for championing women’s rights and empowerment. Thank you, Ms Hafsah Muhseen, for joining us. Now, there is a strong emphasis in your work on building self-confidence among both children and women.

What role do you think self-confidence plays when it comes to women in the entrepreneurial world?

Hafsah Muhseen: I advocate for building confidence as an essential tool. I always feel, when I look at my work and the people I work with, that it gives me a gentle reminder of how important it is. It is not who we are, but what we bring to society and the community. Confidence is like a jacket that we wear; it shapes who we are. It helps us to make decisions, it builds community, and it builds spirit. When we lack confidence, we do not project a positive outlook towards what we represent — be it ourselves, our brand, or our purpose within the community. So yes, confidence is very important. We all have days when we lack a little bit of it, but we must move forward with a positive outlook.

You did mention some of the charitable initiatives you have undertaken. How do you think initiatives such as charities, for example the SLWAQ charity that supports women in Qatar, help women who are keen to enter the entrepreneurial world?

Hafsah Muhseen: Actually, SLWAQ is the first Sri Lankan women’s association, and I was part of it as a senior adviser. It was a dire need in Qatar because we have women from different backgrounds. A large number of them are home-based entrepreneurs running small businesses, and they do not have a platform to showcase their talents — largely due to financial limitations and the lack of exposure.

These charities have enabled me to help and guide them, building bridges with the right people and platforms to create social collaborations and visibility. It has also been an eye-opener for me and my team, showing that there are many remarkable women within the community doing great work. This experience has strengthened our resolve to continue supporting them.

When it comes to women in business, they face numerous challenges — cultural, financial, and societal. I am sure, through your experience, you have witnessed first-hand the difficulties faced by women eager to become entrepreneurs. What strategies do you think can help them?

Hafsah Muhseen: I have been blessed to work across three countries — the United Kingdom, Qatar, and Sri Lanka. The two main obstacles I often observe are self-belief and fear — the constant question, “Am I good enough?” It is easy to take the first few steps, but these barriers hold many women back.

Yes, there are cultural, social, and financial challenges, and each must be addressed differently. But if I had to summarise, I would say that determination and willingness are what keep you moving. In my line of work, I often talk about the three Ps: perseverance, passion, and productivity. If you have these three, you will find a way to overcome any challenge.

As Asian and Sri Lankan women, most of us are married and juggle multiple roles — as mothers, wives, daughters, and professionals. Living abroad adds another layer of difficulty, especially without extended family support. But you must connect with others walking the same path, communicate, learn from them, and take baby steps. You do not have to run; you can walk or even crawl — but you will get there.

The secret recipe for any entrepreneurial venture is having both the right passion and the right purpose. How do you align these two elements, especially for women?

Hafsah Muhseen: Passion is the fuel that gets you going. You wake up every morning because you are passionate about what you do. If you are not, then you should not be doing it. Passion gives you purpose and direction.

However, not every passion can become a goal, and not every dream can become a brand. You must do your groundwork — research, seize opportunities, meet people, and educate yourself. The entrepreneurial journey is a roller coaster. There will be setbacks and challenges, and that is where confidence returns to play its role. You must remind yourself, “I can do this. It will take time, but I will get there.”

That is where the three Ps — passion, perseverance, and productivity — come in. Once you embrace them, you will see growth and eventually reach your destination.

Looking ahead, what sort of tools and resources do you think should be available for aspiring women entrepreneurs to succeed?

Hafsah Muhseen: There are many tools available today, but I always start with the individual. You are your brand. You must be unique, stand by your idea, and have the confidence to move forward.

Discipline and leadership are vital. Have dialogue, communicate, work within a team, and know when to shine. Maintain a positive outlook and be present. Alongside personal growth, make use of practical tools such as social media platforms, banking facilities, and organisations like yours that promote women and provide strategic guidance.

Do not hesitate to ask for help. If you are entering a particular field, be educated, aware, and mindful of challenges. Obtain some form of qualification because it strengthens your confidence and credibility.

In all my workshops, I remind participants that attention is the currency of success. When you have attention, you gain focus — and with focus, you can achieve anything.
Right, with that we conclude our conversation with Ms Hafsah Muhseen, who joined us despite her busy schedule. Thank you for being with us; it was an honour to have you here.
Hafsah Muhseen: Thank you so much. I would like to thank the entire team for being patient and accommodating me at short notice.