TikTok Changemaker Laiba Zaid Is Among The Women Redefining Empowerment & Inclusivity

As International Women’s Day approaches, a new wave of digital disruptors is using their platforms to challenge societal norms, redefine representation, and amplify voices that have long been overlooked. These TikTok trailblazers are breaking barriers—not just in their industries, but in the way we think about culture, identity, and inclusivity.

From reshaping traditions to sparking critical conversations about race, gender, and belonging, these creators are leading with authenticity and purpose. We spoke with some of the most inspiring women making waves on TikTok to learn how they’re turning social media into a force for real-world change. Below, our interview with Laiba Zaid. —Noa Nichol

You challenge traditional expectations of femininity in fitness. How did you develop the confidence to push back against industry norms?

I love how women in fitness have such a strong presence now because, growing up, I was always told that working out was a “manly” thing to do. But I never saw it that way—I just felt like there was a missing space in the industry for women who dressed like me. Most of the fitness content I saw featured women in sports bras and shorts, but I wanted to show that you can be strong, fit, and confident while wearing fully covered clothing. When I started posting my workouts in baggy clothes, I was amazed at how many women related to me. Seeing that I wasn’t alone was a huge motivator to keep pushing forward—it showed me that representation matters, and that confidence comes from owning who you are.

You’ve lost brand partnerships because of your commitment to modesty in athletic wear. Why is it so important for you to stay true to your values, even at a cost?

To be honest, there’s a lot of money to be made in this industry, and we all know that as a fitness creator, it can be harder to grow if you’re not showing off your body—because people often assume that’s the only way to prove how fit you are. But for me, no paycheck is worth compromising my values or my comfort. The community I’ve built means everything to me, and I wouldn’t trade that for short-term success. I’d rather align with brands and people who respect my vision so I can continue doing what I love authentically.

Shadow boxing and weight training are male-dominated spaces. What has your experience been like breaking barriers in these areas?

I love this question because it’s so true! Boxing is definitely seen as a male-dominated space, and stepping into it was honestly intimidating at first. But I was lucky—my brothers grew up boxing, so they showed me the ropes early on. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that, despite how intimidating gyms can feel, most people actually want to see you succeed. There’s a real sense of family and support in these spaces.

Being a woman who boxes and fights well makes me feel incredibly powerful—it’s given me a kind of confidence I never had before. At the end of the day, I don’t let stereotypes define me. Like anything else, I let my performance do the talking. I wish more families in my community encouraged the girls of the family to do these things.

The fitness industry often promotes a specific image of what a “strong woman” looks like. How do you hope to redefine that narrative?

I’ve always believed that showing your body isn’t the only way to prove how fit you are—your performance speaks for itself. If you don’t want to show your abs, that doesn’t make you any less strong. In today’s world, it can be really tough to push back against the social norms of how women are expected to dress or look in fitness.

To me, a strong woman isn’t just someone with a six-pack who can lift heavy—it’s also the girl who fights her anxiety just to step into the gym. Strength comes in so many forms, and I want to show that fitness isn’t about fitting into one mold. It’s about doing what you love, wearing what makes you comfortable, surrounding yourself with people who align with your values, and making things happen your way. And I hope in my little community I’m someone these women can relate to and feel good.

What advice would you give to women who feel like they don’t fit into the fitness world’s mainstream expectations?

 I always remind people—no one cares as much as you think they do. If you’re scared to step into the dumbbell area because it’s full of men, trust me, they’re too focused on themselves to be worrying about you. In fact, they might even be just as nervous in their own way.

We all overthink, but at the end of the day, you have to do things for yourself. Stop worrying about the outside world and what people might think. Once you let go of that fear, you won’t even care if you “fit in” because you’ll be too busy doing what makes you feel good. Make your own lane.

TikTok has been instrumental in connecting people across different worlds. How has TikTok helped you create a supportive space for women in fitness who challenge traditional norms, and what role do you think the platform plays in changing the fitness industry’s narrative?

TikTok has been so instrumental because, unlike other platforms where everything feels super curated and “perfect,” TikTok encourages you to show up as your authentic self—no matter your size, shape, or background. That’s been a game-changer for women in fitness.

Suddenly, it wasn’t just the ultra-fit women with abs filling up our feeds. You could find women who looked like you, sharing their real journeys—the good, the bad, and everything in between. It created a space where more people felt seen and included, and it also pulled back the curtain on the harder parts of the fitness industry that no one really talked about before.

TikTok has definitely played a huge role in changing the narrative. It’s shown that fitness doesn’t have to look one certain way—and that you belong in this space, no matter what.