Harnaam Kaur

PCOS Activist, First Woman with a Beard to walk the London Fashion Week Catwalk, Guinness World Record Holder

Harnaam Kaur is a celebrated activist and trailblazer who has made significant strides in advocating for body positivity and awareness about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Recognised as the first woman with a beard to walk the runway at London Fashion Week and a Guinness World Record holder for being the youngest woman with a full beard, Harnaam’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience and transformation. Her life story, marked by her transition from struggling with a challenging diagnosis to becoming a prominent model and advocate, serves as an inspiration to many.

Diagnosed with PCOS at the tender age of twelve, Harnaam faced the difficult symptom of hirsutism, which led to excessive hair growth, including a full beard. This condition subjected her to severe bullying, which in turn affected her mental health deeply, leading to thoughts of self-harm. However, at sixteen, Harnaam decided to embrace her uniqueness and turned her perceived flaw into her greatest strength. By accepting and celebrating her unconventional appearance, she began her mission as a body positivity advocate and mentor, challenging societal beauty standards and empowering others to do the same.

Harnaam's public journey began in 2014, and her message quickly resonated on a global scale. She starred in the "Eff Your Beauty Standards" campaign in 2015, cementing her status as an international model and spokesperson for alternative beauty. Her appearances on the catwalk, including London Fashion Week, and features in numerous global publications highlight the demand for more inclusive beauty standards. Harnaam’s activism extends beyond modelling; she is a fervent campaigner against bullying and a dedicated promoter of self-love and confidence.

Her influence and impact as a speaker are vast. Harnaam has delivered motivational speeches around the world, including a notable TEDx talk on "Empowerment Through Confidence." Her advocacy has reached the halls of the British Government, where she has participated in discussions on mental health and body image, and she has been a prominent voice at events like the British Council Youth Select Committee and Stylist 2018. Recently awarded the 2023 Ethnicity Award for Public Service or Campaigner, Harnaam continues to inspire with her advocacy work across various important social issues, making her a highly sought-after keynote speaker for International Women's Day and beyond. Her story and dedication make her an exceptional role model and a beacon of hope for many.

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