Scottish-Pakistani presenter, comedian, journalist, writer and producer, Zara Janjua has been named one of the UK’s most talented up-and-coming women, winning ‘Highly Commended’ as a finalist for Women of The Future Awards in the Media Category.
Zara is a ‘multi-hyphen’ TV professional and human rights advocate who champions diversity, equality and women’s rights. She works on a 50:50 model, dedicating half her time to philanthropic media projects.
She has worked for BAFTA, NTA and RTS award-winning TV shows including This Morning on ITV. The stand-up comic has presented BBC comedy shows, daytime and news on STV. She is also in the BBC Comedy Writersroom and was shortlisted for the Funny Women Comedy Writing Award 2020.
Zara Janjua said: “I am delighted to be highly commended as a finalist for this incredible award. It means a lot to have my work recognised by such an impressive panel of inspirational people.”
The media panel included Julie Brown, CFO & COO, Burberry Julia Pasaron, Editor, I-M Intelligent Magazine and John O’Brien MBE, Managing Partner EMEA, One Hundred, Omnicom Group.
Zara promotes multiple income streams for women. After going full-time self-employed four months before the pandemic hit, Zara continued to successfully expand her career and build her business. She has developed courses in virtual/livestream presenting and ‘Dynamic Directions’ to help others discover flexibility and opportunities in their life and is now writing a book about it.
Zara said: “With unemployment at record levels, and women disproportionately affected, I want to help people discover passions and create opportunities in their lives.”
Zara debuted as a filmmaker last year, with a documentary about marginalised and disabled women in Nepal. She fronted an award-winning campaign for Solace Women’s Aid about domestic violence in lockdown and has presented multicultural events for NatWest and a podcast about inspirational businesswomen for The Royal Bank of Scotland.
Zara added: “Throughout my career I have been supported by talented women who have helped me to develop and given me confidence to realise my ambitions. It’s important for me to pass that kindness on and use my skills to create positive change.”
Zara is looking forward to travelling to Tanzania in September for her second philanthropic filming project as she scales the highest free-standing mountain in the world – Kilimanjaro, for CHAS (Children’s Hospice Association Scotland).
The online awards ceremony took place on Thursday, February 4 and were attended by HRH The Countess of Wessex, Miriam González Durántez, International Lawyer and Founder of Inspiring Girls International, Sara Davies MBE, Founder and Creative Director of Crafters Companion.
Finalists will become part of the network and will have the opportunity to attend the University of Oxford’s Said Business School, undertaking courses in Leadership, Negotiation and Career Strategy.
The Women of the Future Awards, founded by Pinky Lilani CBE DL in 2006, were conceived to provide a platform for the remarkable female talent in the UK.
The awards recognise the inspirational stars of tomorrow across diverse sectors. HRH The Countess of Wessex is the Global Ambassador, Cherie Blair is patron and Baroness Gabrielle Bertin is Chair of the Awards judging panel.
The Women of The Future Awards are supported by The Financial Times, Oxford University, CNBC and The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust.
25
0
20
