BOLTON’S award-winning entrepreneur is penning her second book on 22 female leaders who have significantly changed the town.
Gulnaz Brennan wants her book to inspire the next generation of female leaders, with stories from “original and special” women who are relatable, and accessible.
In a post pandemic world, Gulnaz says that the demand has never been greater for female leaders to empower young girls.
She added: “The book speaks of 22 female leaders who have actively changed and transformed the landscape of Bolton, who are amazing women in Bolton.
“In a post pandemic world, we need good leaders, and the need has never been more, for real accessible role models.
“Twenty two leaders felt right.
“We have lots more leaders, but we have to begin somewhere.
“The women in the book have been very carefully selected and chosen to represent diverse leaders from various vocations, not just businesses and charities.”
WINNERS: She Inspires winners 2021. Pictures by Mustafa Desai
Gulnaz hopes that this can also be used as a point of reference as a study in schools, or an academic paper, in the style of a photograph and feature book.
She added: “It’s to really try to study and understand their leadership and knowledge left behind.
“I want it to answer questions like ‘what makes them leaders and how did they become leaders?”
Although Gulnaz believes we have come a long way, she feels that there is still a shortage of female leaders, and a book like this could be hugely inspirational for young women.
She added: “I want the book to help develop and help girls so they can read leaders life stories and know that anything is possible in any field.
“The book is full of strong positive role models who people can look up to.
“Young girls in schools need accessible leaders.
“And there is such a shortage of women leaders in the limelight.
“Girls need to see it, because if they don’t see it, they won’t aspire.”
22 Leaders book set to inspire future generations
Gulnaz is no stranger to writing stories as a successful journalist and author, and may even be considered inspirational to many, for her work around campaigning for minorities and pushing for equality for all.
She previously wrote “100 Women 100 Stories” in 2020, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of women getting the right to vote.
Gulnaz is also the co-founder of the She Inspires Foundation and was voted Muslim Woman of the Year in 2017.
She added: “My work is all about women and celebrating exceptional stories.
“This is just the start because there may also be a book on another 20 leaders.
“When you feel that you are blessed, it’s a moral responsibility to start sharing and helping others.”
There isn’t a date set for the book yet, but Gulnaz says it is “in the works”.