By The Wallet

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I am Ravish Zahid Thomas, the newly awarded Mrs. Pakistan World 2020. I am 26 years old. I was born and raised in Lahore, Pakistan and currently residing near Dallas, Texas. I moved to the USA in 2016 after I married my husband, Drew Thomas. I am currently a full-time student at the University of Texas at Tyler. This is my senior year and I hope to graduate by the end of 2020. Other than this, I am a part-time fashion and lifestyle content creator and an influencer. I have my very own Instagram blog as well which is growing tremendously with my keen dedication and hard work. I have been part of numerous international social organizations, one of which is called IYCS where I had an opportunity to represent Pakistan’s global issues at international student conferences, held in Thailand in 2005, Srilanka in 2006, Africa in 2007, and India in 2011. I also worked as a reporter and a host for a kid’s TV show on Pakistani local channels called JCTV, Wikkid TV, and CTV.

A married Pakistani woman’s image around the world is very different, as after marriage women dedicate themselves to their homes. What kind of image do you want to give out about yourself?

I believe dedicating your life to your husband, kids, family, and home is a wonderful idea, but giving up on yourself and everything is not acceptable. Even though people perceive things differently once you are married, we the women should not forget who we are, what we are capable of, and what our dreams are. We should be the icons of change. Getting married and having kids do not mean we cannot pursue our education, we cannot work, we cannot become models or role models because we are not young, pretty, skinny and beautiful anymore. Remember that we are the women, which means that we are superhumans not only because we have the power to create a life and give birth, but also because we know we can wear many different hats. We can be great wives, great moms, homemakers, and we can study, work, raise kids, raise families and still manage to be strong, bold, beautiful, aspiring and successful in our careers.

Being Mrs. Pakistan World 2020 is a great achievement for you, what do you expect to do with the title?

I will create an event, conduct workshops, start a website or open forum or a counseling agency inviting all the women from around the world with big dreams like me to inspire them. I will help them, guide them, and showcase them the “power of believing”. I will show them that age, size, and color are superficial. I will also encourage them that in this not very friendly society for women, we still can make our name with our true passion, hard work, and dedication. I will do everything possible to inspire them, especially those who are unacknowledged or demotivated for whatever reason to boost their confidence and morale.

You will be going to international pageants too, how will you prepare for it?

I will do anything and everything needed for me to showcase my best self and represent myself and my home country Pakistan at international levels. I will keep in constant touch with Mrs. Pakistan World organization throughout the process to keep me prepared. I will keep myself on the top when it comes to learning and preparing. I will make sure I give all my time possible to take it seriously. I will put my heart and soul into it and make sure I do anything and everything to make myself and others proud of me, especially my home country, Pakistan.

What advice would you want to give to other married women?

 I know not every one of us comes from open, modern, and liberal families. Fashion, modeling, acting, and pageant industry is not considered a very respectable field for some women in our society, but keep in mind no job is bad until you are doing poorly. Keep in mind that whatever you do, good or bad, people will always have something to say about you and that’s life. Follow your dreams, don’t let society define what you can and can’t do. If you want to be an actor then be one, if you want to be a model then be one. Sit with your family, talk to your husband, talk to your parents, talk to your in-laws. Get their confidence and tell them what these careers mean to you. Express to them your feelings, and your love and passion for your dreams. I promise they will understand and support you. Lastly, keep in mind “when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it “as said by Paulo Coelho. So, keep your head up, keep your heart strong and continue chasing your dreams to make a difference together.