Latest news with #Zahra
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Health
- Express Tribune
Zahra Khan, founder of 'If You Like Cheese' and vocal cancer awareness advocate, passes away
Zahra Khan, the founder of No-Nonsense Cheesecake (also known as If You Like Cheese), and breast cancer advocate known on Instagram as @heybreastie, passed away on Sunday after a prolonged and courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer. Widely admired for her culinary creativity and unflinching honesty about living with cancer, Zahra leaves behind a powerful legacy of advocacy, entrepreneurship and community-building. Zahra had been publicly sharing her journey with cancer on Instagram since 2022. After a period of healing, in 2024, Zahra's cancer returned and metastasized to critical areas, including her spine and supraclavicular (neck) lymph nodes, marking a significant progression to Stage IV triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) - one of the most aggressive and challenging forms of the disease. News of her being on a ventilator had circulated throughout the week, until her family confirmed that she had passed away Despite her struggles, Zahra chose to publicly document her experience, including chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, radiation, and the emotional and physical toll, offering an unprecedented look into life with terminal illness. Through her candid social media presence, she became a voice of hope and vulnerability in South Asia, using Instagram reels, long-form captions, and honest storytelling to shed light on women's health, early detection, and the social stigma around cancer. Her courage resonated deeply with young women, caregivers, survivors, and even healthcare professionals across the region. In addition to her advocacy work, Zahra continued to grow her home-based cheesecake business during her treatment. If You Like Cheese became known not just for its signature desserts, but for its message of perseverance, creativity, and heart. Her kitchen became both a business and a sanctuary, a space where she continued to create and inspire. Social media pours in with tributes News of Zahra's passing sparked an outpouring of grief and admiration online. Friends, followers, and members of the food and wellness community shared tributes celebrating her honesty, strength, and entrepreneurial spirit. Popular Instagram comedian Swinery posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, writing: 'Thank you for praying guys. Our friend Zahra has passed on, surrounded by the deep love we all have for her. I would like to elaborate on who she was and what she meant to my friends and I. Not sure it's possible to articulate it well. But there will forever be a Zahra Khan shaped hole in our circle.' She went on to say, 'Seventeen years is a long time to know someone, but it is a brutally short amount of time when you realize that's all the time you're going to get. That the person you grew up with won't be growing alongside you anymore. Zahra was always a star and now she shines in every moment, every laugh, and every moment she was a part of.' She ended off with, 'I love you Zahra and I will always regret not spearheading the last plan. We miss you.' Followers have flooded her post with prayers, broken hearts and memories, celebrating her unwavering strength. One user wrote, 'Inna lillahi wah Inna elaihi rajeoon. So deeply saddened by the loss of an incredible human being with the fortitude to bear such immense illness and fight till her last breath. May you be blessed with ease and Jannah.' Zahra is survived by loved ones and a growing community that remains forever shaped by her story.
CairoScene
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
What a Model Actually Wears to Set With Saudi Model Zahra Hussain
What a Model Actually Wears to Set With Saudi Model Zahra Hussain There's a certain image that comes to mind when you hear the word model - all glossy skin, dewy cheekbones, and aspirational chaos in the back of a cab. But Zahra Hussain, with her quick wit and even quicker shoe change, is here to gently unpick that illusion. The UK-based Saudi model never planned to become the face that launched campaigns. In fact, her path to fashion began not with dreams of runways but with a pragmatic twist of fate. As a university student studying Finance in the British countryside, her world revolved around textbooks and netball courts - until her height started turning heads. 'Everyone told me, you should model,' she says. 'So I walked into an agency on a whim, and they signed me straight away.' Just like that, the athlete became an accidental icon, trading sports gear for couture. If fashion demands conformity, Zahra sidesteps it with ease. 'My style is never one aesthetic,' she tells SceneStyled. One moment she's in ethereal pastels; the next, she's leaning into midnight-hued rebellion. Modelling - with its casting-call uniform of black-on-black - only deepened her creative fearlessness. 'Before, I'd thought, 'You can't wear that with that'. Now? Who actually cares?' Raised Muslim in rural England, deeply rooted in her Saudi heritage, Zahra carries her identity with both gentleness and clarity. 'There's a generational shift happening. My mum might not love some of the outfits I wear now, but Arab fashion isn't monolithic.' For her, style is a space for nuance. 'Respect your roots, but make room for yourself. There's beauty in balance.' Though she's graced international campaigns and editorials, Zahra's love for modelling is all about collaboration. 'Photographers, artists, other models - I love the energy of it. But I also wonder: why do we still centre European labels in our region's fashion story? There's magic in what we have - Saudi boutiques, in Egyptian craftsmanship, that we overlook.' And while her portfolio is full of high-shine fashion moments, she's also just really, really good at surviving a 6am call time without losing an earring - mostly by not wearing any. 'People don't realise - jewellery's a no-go. You'll always be asked to take it off, and you're bound to lose something eventually. It's just not worth it.' So instead of a glossy dreamboard of looks that rarely leave the stylist's rack, For this SceneStyled SELECTS Zahra shares the real model on-set edit. 'It's all about ease,' as she says. 'Chill, but it works.' Best on set outfit 'The best on-set outfit is all about ease - jeans you can pull on and off quickly, a stretchy tank so makeup doesn't get ruined, and slides for easy shoe changes. It's chill, low-maintenance, and you don't care if it gets a bit dirty.' A practical yet polished on-set uniform: mid-blue flared jeans with patch pockets for a touch of structure, a ribbed cotton tank that's soft, breathable, and makeup-friendly, and comfy LV slides that slip on and off in seconds. It's the kind of look that works hard behind the scenes - casual, functional and effortlessly cool. Sakura — Patch Pocket Flared Jeans In Mid Blue Skims — Cotton Rib Long Tank in Marble Louis Vuitton — Sunset Comfort Sandals in Blue/Blanc Casting outfit "For castings, it's always about keeping it simple- clean lines, no distractions. You want to look long, lean, and effortless. That usually means all black, something tailored, and absolutely no jewellery. You'll just be told to take it off- and if you forget, you'll lose it. It's happened.' A pair of high-waisted, flared black trousers, paired with a fitted cotton-blend top that hugs without clinging. The silhouette is sharp, especially when grounded by sleek heeled boots- something structured to subtly enhance her posture and add height without screaming for attention. And if it's cold? A checked Acne Studios scarf adds polish. Priya — Twill Patch-Pocket Flared Trousers In Black Harvey Nichols — Massachusetts Cotton Top in Black Off-White — Silver Allen Heeled Ankle Boots Acne Studios — Check Logo Scarf, Narrow in Black & Gray What's in my bag? 'My bag's always full of things that keep me ready for anything, Day-to-day beauty staples, a few snacks - just the things that make sure you're cute, fresh and prepared.' In her tote - Fendi's oversized FF-embroidered canvas shopper - you'll find the kind of staples that keep her camera-ready without trying too hard. A Mario Badescu rosewater spray for mid-day refresh, Clinique's cult Black Honey lip tint, a protein bar and an apple (always), and her Canon G7x. 'Anything can happen in a day, and I like to be ready—especially for behind-the-scenes moments,' she says. And then there's the one non-negotiable: Chanel's Noir Allure mascara. 'I always have my own. I'm not sharing mascara with anyone. Ever.' Fendi — Roll Large Blue canvas shopper with FF embroidery Louis Vuitton — Sarah Wallet in Blue Wash Mario Badescu — Rose Spray Toner For Refreshing L'Oreal — Paris Fine Flowers Cleansing Wipes Keihl's — Mini Ultra Facial Refillable Moisturising Cream with Squalane Clinique — Black Honey Lip Digital Camera (G7x) For Behind The Scenes If Possible Apple & a Protein Bar Chanel Noir Allure Weekend Dinner Outfit 'I do tend to end up wearing black a lot, but I just like things that feel classy and versatile - you can go to dinner, but if you want to go to a party afterwards, you're ready. I like little accessories that just make you look… expensive and chic.' A structured black Emiliana top by X REVOLVE paired with cropped Cindy trousers—clean lines, zero fuss. She adds height and attitude with YSL's patent Opyum heels, and slings the crocodile-embossed Le 5 à 7 bag over her shoulder. Gold accents - a twisted bangle and Prya's Mia hoops - finish the look with just enough polish. Revolve — Emiliana Top in Black Revolve — Lovers And Friends Cindy Cropped Capri Pant in Black YSL — Le 5 À 7 In Crocodile-Embossed Shiny Leather YSL — Opyum Sandals In Patent Leather Browns Family Jewellers — Soleil Collection Twisted Bangle in 9K Solid Yellow Gold Prya — Mia Earrings In Her Wardrobe That She Cannot Live Without 'They've been my dream since I was a little girl, and I finally got them' Tiffany & Co. — Return to Tiffany Heart Tag Necklace in Silver with a Diamond, Medium Tiffany & Co. — Return to Tiffany Heart Tag Stud Earrings in Silver, Mini
The Star
4 days ago
- General
- The Star
Learning limited by legal status
KOTA KINABALU: They are girls with big dreams. 'I want to be a nurse,' said 10-year-old Natasha, flashing a bright smile. And 13-year-old Zahra, just as confident, declared: 'I want to be a soldier.' Both girls come from families who work in the oil palm sector but the similarity ends there. Natasha lives in a quiet village in Telupid, 130km away from Sandakan, Sabah's second largest town. Her parents own a small piece of land where they grow oil palm. She goes to a nearby government school and is part of Malaysia's formal education system. Zahra, however, lives some 400km away in Tawau, which is the third biggest town in Sabah. Zahra, 13, wrote 'askar' (soldier) when asked for her dream job. Her parents, whose roots trace back to Indonesia and the Philippines, work as labourers on a big plantation. They hold refugee passes (IMM13), which let them stay in Malaysia but without citizenship or full rights. Even though Zahra was born here, she is considered stateless, so she can't enrol in a government school. Luckily, she now attends Grace Training Centre, a community-learning centre run by Calvary Love Foundation that provides basic education for children without legal documents. 'I am happy I get to study here. Now I can read, count and even speak English,' said Zahra during a recent visit by the Tuai Cerita fellowship, a special programme that helps tell the stories of children like Natasha and Zahra. It aims to raise awareness about child labour in and around Sabah's oil palm plantations and the reasons behind it. This initiative is run by local groups ANAK and Global Shepherds, and carried out by Project Liber8 with support from the European Union, International Labour Organisation and Unicef. The story of Natasha and Zahra is not unique. In Sabah, thousands of children grow up without legal status or access to basic services. According to a 2018 government survey, about 33,600 children aged five to 17 were involved in informal or dangerous work at oil palm plantations in Malaysia. Nearly 60% of them, around 19,800, were in Sabah alone. Unicef Malaysia's deputy representative Sanja Saranovic said child labour is more than just a violation of rights. 'It shows deeper problems in a system that robs children of their chance at education, safety and a better future,' she said. Many of these children help their families during weekends, school holidays or harvest seasons. The line between learning and working becomes blurry. In Beluran, teacher Ravein Raj, fondly known as Cikgu Vin among colleagues and students, said many young children in the area want to learn, but face tough conditions. 'They help with field work or odd jobs to support their families. Getting to school is also tough. Some walk for kilometres. Others skip school because their families cannot afford transport,' he said. Poverty is not the only problem, he said, citing that perceptions also play a role. 'In many rural areas, plantation workers are admired for being strong and hardworking. That shapes how children view success. For some, becoming a plantation worker seems like the only realistic future,' he said. In Tawau, a volunteer teacher, who only wants to be called Bu Ana, teaches at CLC Kuari 16, another centre that helps undocumented and stateless children. 'The children here are full of hope. Some want to be doctors or teachers. They want a better life than the one their parents had,' she said. Still, their journey is not easy. Most centres like these rely on donations, fees and volunteers. 'Parents struggle to pay for transport, uniforms and basic school items. It's not that they don't care about education, they're just trying to survive,' said Bu Ana. 'Being stateless does not mean you cannot dream. With the right support, these children still have a chance.' For Natasha, the path to her dream of becoming a nurse is smoother as she has access to formal education. As for Zahra, she has the motivation but not the legal status in what appears to be an insurmountable system. Her future, thus, remains uncertain.
Ya Biladi
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Six days in airport custody and a deportation order : A Moroccan graduate breaks her silence
Since 2018, Zahra* has lived in France, where she completed her higher education. After earning her hard-earned MBA, she hoped to launch her career in the country where she had built her adult life. But it was only after returning from a summer trip to Morocco that things took a dramatic turn. At Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport, «everything seemed routine», until a border officer stepped out of the office and asked her to follow him. Zahra* was blindsided. She was informed that she was under an «Obligation to Leave French Territory» (OQTF) and barred from re-entering the country for 40 years. Speaking to Yabiladi, the 29-year-old said she had never been notified of any such administrative decision or its justification. Psychological Distress and an Enforceable OQTF According to Zahra*, it all began with her temporary residence permit (APS) application, which didn't include her final diploma. The APS allows international students and recent graduates to remain in France to seek employment or start a business. Since official diplomas can take time to arrive, it's common practice to submit a certificate of completion instead. «That's exactly what I did, and the prefecture reassured me it was fine», Zahra* told us. But her case spiraled into an unprecedented administrative tangle, one so unusual that even police officers were baffled. «In court, the officers and interpreters who read the administrative decision were stunned. They had never seen anything like it», Zahra* said. She has painful memories of her time in airport custody, especially her appearance before the judge for individual freedoms. On the sixth day, an appeals court ordered her release from the holding area but the OQTF remains active. Now, Zahra* lives under what she described as a «sword of Damocles», unable to move forward. The ordeal also left her emotionally scarred. She reported experiencing verbal sexual harassment, including explicit threats during her confinement. She also described appalling conditions, unsanitary facilities and inadequate food. «They took everything from me. I no longer have my residence documents, not even my receipt», she said. «It expires in September, and it usually takes six months for a court to review an OQTF. That means I could end up undocumented. In the meantime, I've had promising job offers that I can't pursue because of this order». «A Denial of Rights», says her lawyer Her attorney, Samy Djemaoun, believes her situation stems from an «administrative error» that amounts to «a denial of rights», and reflects a clear intent to bar her from re-entry. «My client has lived legally in France for seven years. She studied, worked, paid taxes. Her student visa expired in February, and she applied to change her status to enter the workforce. She received an APS valid until September 17, 2025. Her application was approved on March 30 for a job offer. On June 17, she was summoned to the prefecture to collect her new permit», he explained on social media. At that appointment, Zahra* was told her new permit was being printed. On June 25, she traveled to Morocco to visit her family, expecting to return on July 9. But at the airport, she was denied entry. «In the meantime, the prefecture quietly issued: a permit refusal, an OQTF, and a 40-year re-entry ban, without notifying her, without revoking her receipt on June 17, and without ever requesting additional documents», Djemaoun said. «They claimed she didn't submit her diploma», he added, «but she had provided a certificate of completion». On July 8, the day before her return, Zahra* was entered into the national wanted persons database, flagged with an administrative 'E notice' banning her from France until June 4, 2065. The notice included instructions: «If the departure deadline has not passed, release the individual». «She was still within the deadline, her receipt was valid until September, yet they held her», the lawyer continued. «So here we have a summons to collect her permit, while at the same time, a refusal, an OQTF, and a re-entry ban are issued in secret. All of it based on a supposedly missing document that was never requested. No official notification. And a wanted notice that calls for her release that the border police ignored». The Paris Court of Appeal later ruled that Zahra's administrative custody was a «disproportionate infringement of her rights». In light of the case, Djemaoun stressed the urgent need to «bring humanity and the rule of law back to public administration». While she awaits a final resolution, Zahra* said she's also facing «a wave of false rumors on TikTok», in addition to racist attacks from far-right groups online. «At this point, I don't care about the hateful comments», she said. «What matters is knowing I've never broken the law. I've always followed administrative procedures, paid my taxes when I was working, and respected the laws of this country». After the emotional toll of recent days, Zahra* says she «just wants justice», so she can work and return to a normal life.
CNA
22-07-2025
- Sport
- CNA
The female boxer gunning to take Singapore to No. 1 in the global ring
The female boxer gunning to take Singapore to No. 1 in the global ring CNA/Raj Nadarajan In 2016, Ms Efasha Kamarudin became the first international Singaporean woman to win an international boxing gold medal. She recently peaked at No.15 in the world for the super flyweight category. Ms Efasha had an affinity for sports at a young age. Her parents and four siblings loved to keep themselves active and their enthusiasm spread to her as well. Photo: Photo: Efasha Kamarudin Ms Efasha is also a mother to baby girl Zahra. Her goal is to become the "undisputed world champion" and retire by 40 to spend more time with her daughter. Next Story
