Shazia Kidwai is an Indian-born entrepreneur, educator, and financial consultant, best known for her work with Andaaz-E-Bayaan Aur Events Pvt. Ltd. and her initiative Appi Ka Center. Based in Sharjah, UAE, for many years, she has dedicated much of her life to empowering underprivileged Muslim girls, promoting literacy, and offering vocational training.

Early Life & Personal Profile

Name: Shazia Kidwai

Place of Birth: Badagaon, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, India

Date of Birth: December 2 (Year not verified publicly)

Family: Daughter of Khalil R. Kidwai and Mohsina Kidwai. Sister: Hina Kidwai. She is married and resides with her husband and two children in the UAE.

Religion: Islam

Shazia pursued higher studies in finance and marketing and holds credentials from the University of Mumbai. She spent a large part of her life and years in the States before finally settling down. 

Professional Journey & Work

Financial Consultancy

Before fully dedicating herself to social work, Shazia's career was one of financial consultancy. She has worked with a number of prestigious firms such as Zurich Financial Services, Citibank, and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank. She has worked in areas related to client and relationship management, wealth management, and financial product advice.

Education & Social Advocacy

Shazia founded Appi Ka Center, named after her elder sister Appi. The centre focuses on helping school dropouts — especially girls from financially struggling Muslim families — regain literacy (reading, writing) and numeracy (basic math). She also offers vocational skills training to help them become self-reliant. 

The situation in Uttar Pradesh is particularly worrying for her, as early marriages and economic hardship restrict education for Muslim girls. Her roots in UP gave her an understanding of ground realities and allowed adjustments to be made to her initiatives accordingly. 

Events & Literary Engagement

Shazia is also the Director of Andaaz-E-Bayaan Aur Events, which organises literary events, Mushairas, and cultural functions to promote voices, particularly of women and marginalized groups. She participates in spoken word sessions and also hosts poetic events, and is a strong presence on the web. 
According to her LinkedIn profile, she holds the title Creative Director at Andaaz-E-Bayaan Aur Events. 

Personal Mission & Impact

Goal: To raise literacy among Muslim girls by providing them with minimal-cost or free education and vocational skills, enabling them to avoid early marriage or dependency.

Approach: Providing foundational education (reading, writing, arithmetic), mentoring, and skills that help in earning a livelihood.

Realization: Thousands of students have been part of her educational programs; her events help build confidence, especially for girls who may feel socially constrained.

Public Presence & Other Details

Social Media Handle: Twitter: @ShaziaKidwai212. She is also active on Andaaz-E-Bayaan's Facebook and Instagram pages.

She shares event information, motivation, and educational messages.

Latest Updates

While Shazia continues her work in the UAE and India, her educational programs are reportedly being expanded, and she is looking for partners to increase the reach of her work. Not all the numbers and newer programs have been publicly verified, but she has made her work known in local communities and among different diaspora groups.

Summary

Shazia Kidwai is one of a kind! She is a financial professional turned social entrepreneur, making sure that her life mission seeks to educate undereducated girls, particularly from marginalized communities. Between her financial career, the organizing of events, and her Appi Ka Center, Shazia continues to impact the lives of many through education, mentorship, and cultural empowerment.