Naeem Hassan, an internationally renowned author and advocate, has made a significant mark in the realms of literature and social justice with his extensive work on women’s rights, the Middle East, and global politics. With over 100 published works, he stands as a unique male voice championing the cause of women’s empowerment.
Naeem attributes his writing career to the profound influence of his father, a scholar with an exceptional knowledge of religions and Persian literature. “My father is my role model. His public speaking skills and scholarly discussions on a variety of subjects encouraged me to pursue writing,” he explains. This familial influence, combined with his parents’ dedication to helping those in need, inspired him to advocate for underrepresented communities. Observing the underrepresentation of Black women in leadership roles further fueled his passion, leading him to highlight their stories and struggles.
Interactive discussions with scholars, facilitated by his father, left a lasting impact on Naeem. His teachers, many of whom were writers, also played a crucial role in shaping his literary skills and advocacy. “My parents’ passion for helping marginalised communities and the guidance of my teachers inspired me to write about these communities, especially women,” he reflects.
Naeem has contributed to more than 10 publications, including the Daily Parliament Times, Voice of Canada, and International Policy Digest USA. He notes, “The majority of my writings are featured on Voice of Canada. As a feminist author, I hope to inspire women with every story I write.” His articles aim to encourage readers to achieve greatness and perfection, resonating with Serena Williams’ belief that “Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another.”
The 2023 Gentlemen of Heart Awards (GOHA) and the Golden Wizard Book Prize are among the accolades recognising Naeem’s distinctive work. These awards have reinforced his commitment to his goals. “These recognitions strengthen my resolve, but I always focus on my next action plan,” he states.
Being the only male author with over 100 published works advocating for women’s rights, Naeem has faced numerous challenges, particularly financial ones. He shares, “The Bigger The Goal, The Bigger The Challenge. It is challenging to be a male feminist author in a male-dominated world.” He believes that overcoming these obstacles is essential for success, viewing every struggle as an opportunity for growth.
To manage the stress of his prolific writing and advocacy, Naeem takes time to rest and unwind. “I take days off the writing process and read a lot of books during this time to improve my craft,” he says.
The inspiration for Naeem’s book “Women Heroes” stems from his childhood ambition to write about marginalised communities and Black women’s resilience. “After writing about many extraordinary Black women, I observed their unique heroic spirit and quality to bounce back from everyday challenges,” he explains.
The 35 women featured in “Women Heroes” were chosen for their stories of determination and resilience. Naeem aimed to inspire the next generation of women globally, regardless of age, race, or ethnicity. “These women serve as transformative role models for females worldwide,” he notes.
Among the inspiring tales in the book, the story of Mercy Gilbert stands out. Gilbert, a global advisor and lobbyist, is dedicated to women’s empowerment and has founded initiatives to combat food insecurity and period poverty. “Her accomplishments are so numerous that many books could be written on her efforts,” Naeem remarks.
Naeem ensured that “Women Heroes” represents women of various races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. “These women, despite their race, serve as heroes for all other women worldwide,” he emphasises.
“Empowered women empower other women,” Naeem believes. He hopes that readers, especially women, will find motivation in the book to overcome challenges and achieve success in their personal and professional lives.
The response to “Women Heroes” has been overwhelmingly positive. One notable feedback came from Mrs Jewel, a reader from Nigeria, who described the book as a “beam of hope and inspiration for all women in the world.”
Looking ahead, Naeem is working on two upcoming books focusing on inspiring female leaders. One of these, “WOMAN, GET UP! GET WEALTHY!” will feature stories of 35 extraordinary female entrepreneurs, each offering business success tips to guide the next generation of female entrepreneurs towards financial empowerment and autonomy.
To aspiring writers, especially those interested in advocacy and social justice, Naeem offers this advice: “Words have the power to change the world. Use your writing as a platform to promote justice and equality.”
“Literature has always been essential in bringing about social change,” Naeem asserts. He believes that powerful literature can inspire people to reach their full potential and challenge societal norms.
Guided by the philosophy that “Equality and feminism are the most powerful weapons you can use to change the world,” Naeem continues to be a beacon of hope and inspiration through his writing and advocacy.
Naeem Hassan’s journey is a testament to the power of words in advocating for social justice and empowering women worldwide. His work not only reflects societal issues but also serves as a catalyst for change, inspiring readers to strive for equality and excellence.
