IWD 2025 - an interview with: Saliha Latif

Tell us a little about your career journey leading to where you are now. Career Journey:

My career journey started in local government in the UK, where I was fortunate to have a strong female mentor who guided me through my dissertation and introduced me to the world of equality, diversity, and inclusion. At the time, Greater Manchester and Lancashire were facing significant challenges, including riots. I worked on initiatives to integrate communities and create opportunities through internships and graduate programs, always focusing on bringing people together.

Then, an opportunity to transfer to Dubai arose. As the Regional Head of HR for a global engineering consultancy firm and then a young, single British Pakistani woman—I was fortunate to have the unwavering support of my parents, who encouraged me to travel internationally and embrace new opportunities. While many around me were expected to settle down and get married, I was given the freedom to pursue my ambitions and build a career across multiple continents, working with over 100 nationalities. I am forever grateful to Allah and to my family for their support, which allowed me to grow, lead, and inspire others to break barriers and chase their dreams.

That support continues today—not only from my family but also from my husband, who encourages me to keep doing what I do best: traveling, learning, and making an impact.

But today, my mentors are not just my parents. They are also the inspirational mothers and women of Palestine—women who embody resilience, patience, and determination in ways many of us will never fully comprehend. In the face of unimaginable hardship, they continue to nurture their families, educate their children, and fight for their rights with unwavering strength. Their courage is a reminder that we must prioritize the voices of women who suffer in silence and honour their fortitude—not just on International Women’s Day, but every single day.

What does the International Women’s Day slogan “accelerate action” mean for you?

“Accelerate action” to me means driving change faster—not just talking about gender equality but actively working toward solutions. It’s about ensuring that women don’t have to wait for opportunities; they should have the power to create them, with the right structures supporting them.

For the women of Palestine, accelerating action is not just a slogan—it is a necessity. Every day, they push forward despite unimaginable challenges. Their fight for education, dignity, and basic human rights is a testament to the urgency of change. We must move beyond awareness and take real steps to ensure women’s voices—especially those often unheard—are amplified, valued, and protected.

How important is it for women to lift each other up, and what does that mean to you?

For me, lifting each other up starts with the people around us. I’ve been fortunate to have friends, family, and mentors who push me to be better and encourage me to keep striving. True support is about building each other up, celebrating successes, and helping one another navigate challenges.

But this extends beyond personal circles. It means standing with women whose struggles may not be visible to us. The women of Palestine remind us that strength is found in sisterhood, in standing firm despite adversity, and in never losing hope, even when the world turns away. We must not only uplift the women in our lives but also those whose resilience often goes unrecognized.

How important is diversity across senior leadership teams?

Diversity isn’t just about representation—it’s about perspective, experience, and ensuring different voices are heard. Inclusive leadership means creating spaces where women from all backgrounds can thrive.

The strength of Palestinian women, who continue to lead their communities despite the weight of conflict and displacement, is a powerful example of leadership in action. Their ability to build, teach, and nurture, even in the most difficult circumstances, is the kind of leadership we should all learn from.

What do these percentages represent to you: Senior leadership: 26%, C-suite: 19%, 1 in 4: Chief-level?

These numbers highlight the work that still needs to be done. Women remain underrepresented in leadership, and that must change.

For Palestinian women, leadership doesn’t come with a title—it comes with survival, with the courage to rebuild after loss, and with the determination to educate their children despite immense challenges. Their leadership is a reminder that true empowerment isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder; it’s about making a difference in the lives of others, despite the odds.

How can business leaders accelerate action toward closing the gender gap and ensuring equal opportunities in the workplace?

To close the gender gap, business leaders must go beyond discussions and take real steps. This means mentorship, flexible working arrangements, and creating spaces where women are empowered to lead. Leaders must build a culture where no woman feels forced to choose between her career and her family, and where women’s contributions are recognized, regardless of their circumstances.

But accelerating action also means using our platforms to uplift the stories of women who are often forgotten. We cannot claim to champion gender equality while ignoring the struggles of women in war zones, refugee camps, and conflict-affected areas. We must push for a world where every woman, no matter where she is, has the chance to thrive.

Top tips for entrepreneurial/managerial/leadership success

1. Surround yourself with people who push and inspire you.

2. Embrace challenges—every obstacle is an opportunity to grow.

3. Mentorship is key. Seek it and be that mentor for others.

4. Celebrate the small wins—they add up.

5. Don’t let fear of failure stop you from taking risks.

And most importantly: never underestimate the power of resilience. Whether you’re leading a business, a team, or a household, strength comes from perseverance—something the women of Palestine embody every day.

What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to a woman thinking of starting a career at leadership level?

My advice would be this: don’t wait for the perfect moment. Take the opportunities that come your way, even if they don’t seem like a straight path. You’ll face challenges, but you are more capable than you think.

And remember—leadership isn’t just about power or position. It’s about impact. It’s about standing firm in your beliefs, advocating for those who cannot, and leading with compassion. The women of Palestine, who rise each day despite adversity, teach us that leadership is about resilience, about hope, and about refusing to give up, no matter how difficult the road ahead may seem.

So, this year, and every year, let’s make it a habit to not just celebrate women, but to prioritize those who are often left unseen. Let’s honour their courage, amplify their voices, and ensure that every woman—no matter where she is—has the chance to be heard, valued, and empowered.