In this episode of Burqah & Bikini, we sit down with Shabana, a woman born and raised in California, whose immigrant South Asian & Muslim upbringing shaped her experience as a mother, a survivor, and a surrogate.

Shabana had a child outside of marriage — a decision that challenged cultural and religious expectations. She later survived domestic abuse at the hands of her brother, stood up for herself by calling the police, and eventually chose to become a surrogate, carrying a baby for another family.

We explore:

• What it's like to have a child outside of wedlock in a South Asian Muslim community
• Why Shabana chose to become a surrogate and how it changed her view on motherhood
• Whether motherhood is truly the ultimate role for women — or just a cultural expectation
• How she talked to her son about her surrogacy journey
• The emotional, physical, and cultural complexities of surrogacy
• How families choose surrogates — and what surrogates look for in return
• Dealing with judgment, shame, and silence from her community
• The emotional toll of domestic abuse and her family’s reaction when she called the cops

If you're from a South Asian, Muslim, or immigrant background and are navigating decisions that break with tradition, this episode is for you. Shabana’s story is bold, raw, and deeply inspiring.

Subscribe for more stories of women breaking barriers.