Jannatul Ferdous Peya is a woman who embodies resilience, authenticity, and purpose. A lawyer by profession and a familiar face in the beauty industry, she has consistently defied stereotypes, balancing professional excellence with personal integrity.
She sat with Times of Bangladesh and reflected on her journey, the challenges she has faced, and what strength truly means in a world that often judges women by appearances first.
TIMES: What does Women’s Day mean to you personally?
Peya Jannatul: To me, Women’s Day is more than just a day of celebration; it’s a reminder of power with purpose. It acknowledges the silent sacrifices and extraordinary resilience women demonstrate every single day, often without recognition or applause. It is about honouring strength that works quietly but transforms lives.
Who is the most influential woman in your life and why?
Every working mother inspires me. The grace, dignity, and courage they show while balancing family and professional lives are extraordinary. From them, I’ve learned that real strength doesn’t need to be loud. It lives in consistency, discipline, and quiet determination.
What stereotype about women in your field would you like to break?
There’s a common assumption that women succeed because of their appearance or connections. The truth is very different. Success comes from intellect, discipline, hard work, and consistency. In fact, women often have to prove themselves twice as capable just to be seen as equal.
What kept you going when you felt like giving up?
I have always believed that I am the pilot of my own life. Being capable of making my own decisions while respecting the opinions and judgments of others has guided me. Instead of reacting to criticism, I trusted my own capabilities and strength, choosing to work harder in silence. I kept in mind my roots and where I came from, and that never let me give up.
What challenges did you face as a woman in your industry?
Being underestimated. There is a phrase, “beauty without brains.” I have felt the weight of that judgment, both in the courtroom and in the beauty industry. I had to work twice as hard to prove my competence. The pressure was intense, but it also shaped my resilience.
What advice would you give to young girls aspiring to follow your path?
Never shrink yourself to make others comfortable. Invest in your education. Develop your skills. Become financially independent. Most importantly, respect yourself first because the world treats you the way you treat yourself.
What drew you to the field of law?
The idea of justice. I believe law is not just a profession; it is a responsibility. I want to stand for fairness and support those who are afraid to speak for themselves, especially women who often feel unheard.
Are women lawyers treated differently in courtrooms?
Personally, I have not directly faced gender bias in court. However, the number of women in the legal profession remains low. In our society, women are still expected to prioritise home responsibilities, which makes sustaining a demanding legal career more challenging. Balancing both requires extraordinary effort.
What does confidence mean to you?
To me, confidence means knowing your worth without a sliver of validation. It’s about being calm, prepared and unapologetically who you are.
How do you protect your individuality in a highly competitive beauty industry?
I do not compete; I create. I stay authentic and avoid trends that do not align with who I am. My individuality is my strength, and I protect it by remaining true to my core values. That authenticity, I believe, is the foundation of lasting success.
