SHAZNA MUZAMMIL

On this week’s edition of She Can, I speak with the elected Councillor of the Milton Keynes City Council, UK. She has also just been invited to be the Governor of a local school body in Milton Keynes. She worked in the Colombo Municipality Council prior to moving to the United Kingdom and joined the Conservative Party to contest in the local government elections. She has worked at J Wunderman Thompson and at MAS whilst living in Sri Lanka. She is armed with a Post-Graduate Diploma (PGDip) in Development Management from the Open University, UK, and a Master of Business Administration, Management and Operations, from Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK. An alumna of Ladies College, Colombo, she is also a Senior Project Manager at the Open University, UK and overlooks a GBP 60 million project. She is also a Trustee of the Five Trees Community Trust in Milton Keynes and is also the Head of Media of the Conservative Party committee: Conservative Friends of NHS. She is also the Chair of the Milton Keynes Conservatives Women’s Organisation and Secretary of the Milton Keynes Conservatives. She is also the Head of Media of the Conservative Friends of NHS, and on the committee of Conservative Friends of Sri Lanka.

She is an advocate for women’s rights and education. She is a strong voice for the voiceless and has dedicated her life to empower and uplift disadvantaged children, youth, and women. She shattered the political glass-ceiling and became the first female Sri Lankan to occupy a seat at the Milton Keynes Council. She is an absolute go-getter, and nothing stops her from achieving her goals in life. From Rugby to Politics, she succeeds in all her endeavors. She is kind, generous, courageous, dependable, and diplomatic; Shazna Muzzamil. 

Who is Shazna Muzammil? What experiences in life has shaped her as an individual?
My life experiences have instilled within me a deep sense of compassion and resilience. Despite facing various challenges and obstacles, I've learned to persevere and overcome them with grace and determination. As a mother to two adult boys, a sister to four somewhat ‘adultish’ boys, and a daughter to very compassionate parents, family has always been at the core of my life. Growing up, my brothers and I were raised very differently, and I often felt like I led a sheltered life. Despite this, I excelled in school, but I was unable to pursue higher education due to societal expectations. Instead, I was given away in marriage, which was not uncommon in my culture. However, I refused to conform to the expectations placed upon me, much to the horror of my parents. Instead, I found solace in my love of reading and travel. These experiences broadened my horizons and allowed me to see the world from a different perspective. My professional experiences have also broadened my network and allowed me to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. But it's my political experiences and activism that have provided me with an outlet where I can make a difference on a much larger scale. By championing the underdog, I've been able to have a greater impact on many lives. Throughout my life, I've held onto the values instilled in me by my parents, treating everyone with respect and kindness and looking out for those who are not as privileged as myself. My experiences have made me resilient, strong, and unafraid to reach for the stars. 

Share with us a summary of your personal journey?
My personal journey is very personal to me. My childhood, to being this rebel, fighting for education, my divorce, raising my children, moving over here, I honestly wouldn’t know where to start. However, I can tell you that everyone's personal journey is unique and shaped by a combination of their experiences, choices, and circumstances. Your personal journey is likely to involve a range of ups and downs, successes and setbacks, and moments of joy and difficulty. Ultimately, your journey is yours to navigate, and it's up to you to make the most of it and create a fulfilling life that aligns with your values and goals. Remember you can overcome obstacles and achieve your dreams, and your journey is an ongoing process of growth and discovery. 

Share with us a summary of your professional journey?
My professional journey started with me helping my dad’s business. Ramona was instrumental in helping me carve out something for myself when things were bad, and for that I am truly grateful for her. I subsequently went on to help my father when he was elected as the Mayor of the Colombo Municipal Council, and that experience, his work ethics, the way he dealt with the opposition, collaborative way he worked with the officers and government when the government was not his own party, and the opportunities he provided for me to learn, grow, and build relationships has been priceless. After which I went on to join J. Wunderman Thompson and subsequently, MAS before I moved to the UK. I feel hugely privileged to be working at The Open University in UK. Recently, I was appointed by the Vice Chancellor's Office to lead one of the largest projects at the Open University, which involves facilitating the transition of our lecturers onto permanent contracts and analysing their workload based on the new contracts. In this role, I lead a team of academics, work closely with unions, review new and old policies, ensure a smooth transition of lecturers to permanent contracts, and minimize disruptions in students' educational journeys. I am passionate about volunteering and making a difference in my community. I started volunteering as an Appropriate Adult, where I supported young people in custody and mentored children with a parent in prison. During the pandemic, I trained as a Vaccinator to help with the government's vaccination rollout. I also fundraised for a young people's mental health charity (YiS) by auctioning art works created by children about their experiences during lockdown and giving them an outlet to share their stories through art. 

What inspired you to join politics in UK? 
It is difficult to pinpoint just one thing that inspired me to join politics in the UK, as it was a culmination of different experiences that led me to this path. Growing up in Sri Lanka, I saw the struggles that women faced in having their voices heard and recognized the urgent need for greater gender equity and representation in politics. When I moved to the UK and began volunteering with young people in custody, I saw first-hand the power of community engagement and support in creating positive change. This experience reinforced my desire to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and communities. As a local councillor, I have been able to use my platform to advocate for those who may otherwise go unheard and to push for greater support and resources for our most vulnerable citizens. I believe that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves to have a voice in our political system and that it is our duty as elected officials to ensure that their voices are heard. I am deeply committed to making a positive difference in the lives of those in my community and beyond, and am grateful for the opportunities that my upbringing, my volunteer work, and my political involvement have given me to do so.

You have worked in both the Colombo Municipality Council and the Local Council in Milton Keynes. How different have both experiences been?
Working in local councils, both in Sri Lanka and the UK, has been an incredible journey for me. In Sri Lanka, navigating the complex political environment was incredibly challenging, especially as a woman. The tension and uncertainty of the political landscape made it difficult to make an impact. People only hear what they want to hear and sadly more for political gain rather than to make a real difference. Moving to the UK and working in the Local Council in Milton Keynes was a breath of fresh air. The open and inclusive political culture allowed me to have a greater impact, and I was able to work on issues that I am truly passionate about, such as supporting children, social care, and mental health concerns. Despite the differences between the two settings, I found many commonalities. Both required creative problem-solving and collaborative efforts to achieve goals and make a positive impact in the community. In both cases, the council played a huge role in supporting communities, improving infrastructure, traffic and highways, parking, planning, licencing among others. However, here in the UK, the local council also play a large role in education, mental health, and disability support and most importantly, providing care for young vulnerable children and looking after them. In Milton Keynes we look after nearly four hundred children who have come from very difficult backgrounds, and we have foster carers that are also supported by the council to help these young people. Through my experiences in both councils, I have gained unique insights into the complex world of local politics. I am proud to have applied these insights to my work in the UK and to have made a significant and positive impact on the lives of the people in my community. I believe that local politics is a powerful tool for change, and I am committed to using it to create a better world for all.

Why did you opt to joining the Conservative Party instead of the Labour Party?
I joined the Conservative Party because their values align with my own beliefs and principles. The party's commitment to freedom, independence, and opportunity resonated with me, as did their emphasis on tradition, individualism, and tolerance. I strongly believe in the importance of individual initiative and the conviction that every person has the talent and ability to create positive change in their own lives and in society. The Conservative Party's approach to promoting this belief through policies that support entrepreneurship, innovation, and personal responsibility, was a deciding factor for me. Furthermore, I appreciate the party's focus on ownership and taxation, as I believe that creating a strong sense of individualism is critical to fostering a thriving economy and prosperous society. The Conservative Party's vision of empowering individuals to pursue their goals and aspirations while promoting the common good through responsible governance and balanced policies, is what made me choose them over other political parties. In short, my decision to join the Conservative Party was based on their commitment to individualism, freedom, and opportunity, as well as their focus on supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and responsible governance. I firmly believe that these values and policies are critical to building a better future for all.

How did you manage to successfully transition from Colombo to London? You seem to have adapted well into life in London.

Transitioning from Colombo to London was a challenging experience for me. Leaving behind my loved ones, the food and comforts of home was not easy. However, I have always been someone who embraces change and looks at it as an opportunity to grow and learn. I believe that being adaptable is a key trait to have, and I try to approach new situations with an open mind and a willingness to learn. One thing that has helped me integrate well into the London community is staying true to myself. 

I believe that being authentic is important, and I try not to change who I am to fit in. Instead, I try to be respectful and understanding of the local laws and traditions, and I try to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Overall, I believe that my positive attitude towards change and my ability to adapt has helped me successfully transition from Colombo to London. While I do miss my home and loved ones dearly, I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities that living in the UK has brought me.

Was it difficult to enter politics in the UK? When you first joined the Party was it difficult to adapt into the British Political Culture? Is it different to the Sri Lankan political culture?  
When I decided to join the Conservative Party, I was eager to learn from them and get involved in politics. I contacted our local association, expressed my interest in helping, and was hoping to join the women's arm. Soon after, they asked me to run as a councillor and even supported me in launching the Milton Keynes Conservative Women's Organisation, of which I have been the chair since 2021. In this role, I have been able to grow the membership, find candidates, and provide training for those interested in running for office. Coming from Sri Lanka, the political culture in the UK was quite different. The most significant difference I have noticed is the emphasis on accountability and transparency. If someone does something unlawful or morally wrong, they can be forced to give up their position, including a parliamentary seat. Even Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, was required to resign for similar reasons. This accountability and willingness to put the country first is refreshing. Additionally, the party membership plays a large role in selecting both local MPs and the leader of the party. This process ensures that the voices of members are heard and valued. Another aspect of British politics that I admire is their campaigning approach, where each candidate is given a fixed budget and everyone's leaflet looks the same. This equality in campaigning is monitored closely, which promotes fairness and prevents wealthier candidates from having an unfair advantage.

You’re a working mom: How do you strike that perfect work-life balance?
My boys are adults now – nearly 25 and 20 and they don’t live with me. They don’t need me as much as I need them, but we still make time for each other. They visit me and we of course have regular phone calls.  But as a rule, if they ring me, I will always pick up. They’ve always known I am here for them, and we have a great relationship which I value above all else. I work from home mostly, and so when my boys visit me, they make me breakfast. I love being spoilt by them. What I struggle with is finding time for myself, going to the gym, playing sport, or even just getting out for a run. There’s always something that requires my time, as I juggle a lot in my professional life. I am not sure I can ever strike that perfect balance, but I would like to think that I spend time on the right priorities and improve on making time for my physical wellbeing as well.

Most women think they need to quit work once they have children. They don’t think it’s possible to manage both work and a family. Do you agree?
It depends on the individual and what works for them the best. We are not alike, and our circumstances are all very different. But I have found that a supportive home environment has helped me to do what I do. 

How did you move forward when everyone kept telling you that your suggestions or ideas won't work? 
When faced with scepticism about my ideas, I believe in the power of collaboration and communication. Instead of pushing my ideas onto others, I engage in open dialogue and work to find common ground. I value the input and feedback of others, and by working together, we can find innovative solutions to complex challenges. Ultimately, I believe that progress is made by moving forward together, rather than alone.

How do you differentiate yourself from others? 
What sets me apart from others is my genuine care for people and my commitment to integrity. While I am ambitious, I never compromise my values or push others aside to achieve success. Instead, I strive to work collaboratively and lead by example, earning the respect and trust of those around me. I believe that this approach not only sets me apart but also allows me to make a positive impact in the lives of those I work with and for.

Do you ever think – “Am I crazy?" 
Most times especially when I’m about to go for a swim in a wet suit in 4 degrees cold icy waters. 

Who do you look up to for inspiration or mentorship? 
My dad – he is my inspiration.  I guess in a way I'm still trying to make him proud.

Your biggest regret?  That I haven't managed to make it home in five years.

What is your biggest fear and how do you manage it? 
My biggest fear is that I will hurt myself or fall ill and I won't have my family and friends near me.

What has been the highlight of your career so far? 
Being selected as an approved parliamentary candidate. The selection process was strenuous and tedious, but it has been the most wonderful experience. 

What do you want to achieve next? 
I would like to win my seat at the next national elections. 

If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career, what would it be?  
Never doubt myself or my abilities. 

Have you been harassed or discriminated against? 
Not really harassed or discriminated but I do have the odd security guard following me around the supermarket probably assuming I may run out without paying.

Where do you see yourself ten years from now? 
On the green benches.

How do you want to be remembered one day? 
I would like to be remembered as a dedicated and ethical parliamentarian, committed to serving and representing my constituents with the highest level of integrity.