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Opening Doors for Women: The Inspiring Story of Noureen Hashim-Jiwani
22
Mar
Noureen Hashim-Jiwani: Building Chicago with Intelligence and Dedication
Behind the policies that drive the city of Chicago stands an extraordinary woman—one who is not only intelligent but also possesses unwavering determination and dedication to championing social justice. She is Noureen Hashim-Jiwani, a public official serving as the First Deputy for Policy in the Office of the Mayor of Chicago. With a grand vision and relentless passion, she is committed to creating meaningful change for the wider community.
From Health to Policy: A Journey Towards Greater Impact
Noureen began her career with a deep love for medicine, driven by her desire to help others. However, along the way, she realized that the healthcare system often failed to serve those who most needed it. Limited access to quality healthcare pushed her to enter the policy world, where she could drive broader, more systemic change. Helping one person is noble for her, but crafting policies that protect thousands or even millions is an even greater purpose.
She did not step into government overnight; she started with small, meaningful actions. One pivotal moment that shaped her principles was when she helped a missing neighbour. From that experience, she learned that even the simplest acts of care can be the starting point of profound change.
Overcoming Challenges in Government
Entering the world of government was not an easy journey, especially as a woman. Noureen recognized that the structure of the U.S. government does not always provide equal space for women. As a result, she had to work even harder to prove herself and to position women in strategic roles.
However, she was never alone. With the support of mentors and a strong community of women, Noureen fought for her own space and created opportunities for other women to be involved in decision-making processes. She firmly holds the principle: “When someone opens a door for me, I will open the door for others.”
Crafting Impactful Policies
As a policymaker, Noureen understands that every decision must reflect society’s needs. She focuses primarily on women and children, two groups often lacking a voice in policy discussions. She believes that building an inclusive system is about fairness, sustainability, and society’s overall well-being.
When facing criticism and challenges, Noureen adopts a unique approach. To her, emotions are natural, but they must be channelled productively. When frustrated, she takes deep breaths, listens to other perspectives, and seeks better solutions. She also emphasizes that the government should not silence protests; they should be seen as valuable input to understand the public’s concerns better.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Noureen is a strong advocate for young people’s potential. She encourages them, especially women, to be bold in trying and engaging with policy and politics. While it may initially seem intimidating, she believes now is the right time to contribute. Through internship and fellowship programs at the mayor’s office, she provides opportunities for students to experience government dynamics firsthand and see how they can be part of the change.
For her, hope is the ultimate driving force in her work. Every day, she reminds herself to be grateful for her opportunity and commits to shaping policies that instil hope in people’s lives. She strives to ensure everyone has the same chance to live better, regardless of their social status, gender, or economic background.
A Message of Inspiration for the Future
At the end of the interview, Noureen shared a powerful message for young people:
“Do not be afraid to try. Think about what you can do to make your community better. As long as we have hope, we can keep moving forward and create real change.”
With all her achievements and dedication, Noureen Hashim-Jiwani is not just a public official but an inspiration. She has proven that women can be crucial in shaping fair and inclusive policies. Her journey is a testament that we can all become agents of change for a better world with determination, hard work, and a deep sense of care.
*This interview was conducted by Rhetno Arobiatul Jauzak, founder of the Pearl of Faith platform, via Zoom on March 15, 2025, at 10 PM Chicago time and March 16, 2025, at 10 PM Indonesia time.
