Mawra Hocane puts purpose at the heart of her work

Actor chooses stories that lift women's voices and impact their lives

Actor Mawra Hocane's choice of roles is driven by a straightforward ideology: the stories must matter — particularly those centred on women's lives — and her work should leave a meaningful impact on the people who watch it.

Speaking recently about her approach to work, she explained that women's rights have long shaped the kind of scripts she accepts. "I'm a big advocate for women's rights and I try to somehow incorporate that in the scripts I choose," she stressed.

She said the impact of her work often becomes clear through the women who approach her with their own stories. "I felt the most gratitude in so many moments when women come up to me and tell me that somehow watching my dramas has... helped them solve some problems in their lives."

The actor recalled being stopped at an airport by a woman who said that after 23 years in an abusive marriage, it was watching her drama that finally pushed her to leave. "One can imagine the impact a drama can have on people, the kind of strength it can give to women," she said.

Her emphasis on women's issues extends beyond her onscreen work. Earlier this year, in an Instagram video, Hocane spoke about the importance of financial independence for young women — a lesson she said she grew up with.

"I was taught at a very young age that for girls, financial independence is very important," she said, addressing younger followers directly. "To all the girls watching, I would say there is nothing better than financial independence."

For her, earning one's own money is tied to confidence and self-reliance. "No matter how good your family is, how rich your family is, or your in-laws or your husband — I think the money you earn with your hard work gives you a different kind of confidence," she said.

Together, her comments outline an approach to work and public voice rooted in intentionally choosing projects that speak to women's realities and using her platform to underline the issues she considers essential.