This week You! features some of our women achievers who made headlines in 2024. Read on…
As we step into 2025, it’s time to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of women who continue to redefine excellence and inspire change. Across the globe, women have been breaking barriers, rewriting narratives, and proving that resilience knows no bounds. They have made remarkable strides - whether dominating the cricket field, transforming classrooms, shining on global stages, or leading in the corporate world. Their determination and talent have not only shattered glass ceilings but also paved the way for future generations to dream bigger. This week You! features some of our women achievers who have made us proud on an international level. Read on…
When it comes to breaking barriers in 2024, Ayla Majid’s name shines bright. In November 2024, she made history by becoming the first person from Pakistan and South Asia to serve as president of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). In her one-year term, Ayla will lead a massive global network of 252,000 members and 526,000 future ACCA members across more than 180 countries. That’s no small feat, but if anyone’s ready for it, it’s Ayla.
Her journey with ACCA started in 2006, and over the years, she has built an impressive career. She’s the founder and CEO of Planetive Middle East and Planetive Pakistan, and she brings over two decades of experience in areas like energy, corporate governance, investments, and mergers and acquisitions.
Baela Raza Jamil, CEO of Idara-i-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA), has dedicated her life to ensuring children and adolescents in Pakistan receive quality education. Her tireless efforts were recognised in October 2024 with the Asia Education Medal, an accolade that celebrates leadership and advocacy in advancing education.
Baela’s journey began 25 years ago when she founded ITA and the Sanjan Nagar School, focusing on empowering girls through education. Over the years, she has forged impactful partnerships with governments, industries, and global stakeholders. Upon receiving the award, Baela expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to making education accessible for all. Her work stands as a testament to the transformative power of education in changing lives and communities.
Known for her melodious voice and impactful contributions to Pakistan’s music industry, Hadiqa Kiani has seamlessly blended her artistry with activism. This year, she earned a place on BBC’s 100 Women list for her tireless efforts to support humanitarian causes, particularly during the devastating floods that swept through Pakistan.
Hadiqa’s commitment to using her platform for good is evident in her continuous efforts to aid the voiceless. Expressing her gratitude on Instagram, she shared her vision for a prosperous and safe Pakistan. Her dual role as an artist and humanitarian serves as a powerful reminder of how public figures can drive meaningful change.
Dr Mahrang Baloch’s inclusion in Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people of 2024 is a reflection of her unwavering commitment to human rights. As a leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), she has been at the forefront of peaceful activism, advocating for the rights of the Baloch community.
In December 2023, Mahrang led a historic march to Islamabad, where hundreds of women demanded justice for their missing loved ones. Her efforts caught international attention, earning her a spot on BBC’s 100 Women of 2024 as well. Mahrang’s activism demonstrates the power of peaceful resistance in addressing systemic injustices and amplifying marginalised voices.
Pakistani women have also been making waves in the corporate world, as evidenced by Shaista Asif and Shazia Syed’s inclusion in Forbes’ Middle East’s 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen of 2024. These trailblazers have shown that women can lead with excellence, even in the highly competitive business landscape.
Shaista Asif, co-founder and Group CEO of PureHealth Holding, ranked fourth on the list. Under her leadership, PureHealth’s growth has been phenomenal. The company’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange in December 2023 raised $986 million, cementing its position as a healthcare leader. Shaista’s vision has also driven strategic acquisitions, including Circle Health Group and Sheikh Shakbout Medical City.
Shazia Syed, ranked ninth, has had an illustrious career with Unilever. From starting as a management trainee in Pakistan to becoming the General Manager for Unilever North Africa, Levant, and Iraq, her journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Shazia’s influence extends beyond Unilever, with board positions at United Bank Limited, Pukka Tea, and Pepsi Lipton. Her story is a beacon of hope for women aspiring to make their mark in the corporate sector.
Cricket, a sport synonymous with Pakistan’s identity, has long been dominated by men both on and off the field. But in 2024, a monumental shift occurred. Saleema Imtiaz etched her name in history as the first woman from Pakistan to join the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) International Development Panel as an umpire.
Her addition to the prestigious panel allows her to officiate women’s cricket matches, including major international events and bilateral series under the ICC. For Saleema, this is not just a personal victory but a momentous step forward for women in cricket. It signals a shift in the perception of women in sports, inspiring others to pursue their passions despite societal barriers.
In 2022, Pakistan’s music industry was abuzz with pride as Arooj Aftab became the first Pakistani artist to receive Grammy nominations. Her soulful track ‘Mohabbat’ earned her the Best Global Music Performance award, while her nomination for Best New Artist solidified her place in the global music arena.
Since then, Arooj has continued to captivate audiences worldwide with her ethereal music. She received Grammy nominations in 2023 and 2024, and now, for the upcoming 67th Annual Grammy Awards in 2025, she has once again made history. With nominations for Best Alternative Jazz Album for ‘Night Reign’ and Best Global Music Performance for ‘Raat Ki Rani’, Arooj remains an emblem of excellence and creativity. Her journey is a source of inspiration for aspiring artists, proving that persistence and originality can pave the way to global acclaim.
Breaking barriers, shaping futures
Each of these remarkable women represents a unique facet of resilience, determination, and success. Saleema Imtiaz is paving the way for women in sports officiating. Baela Raza Jamil is transforming education. Arooj Aftab is captivating global audiences with her music. Dr Mahrang Baloch is advocating for human rights with courage. Hadiqa Kiani is proving that art and activism can go hand in hand. Shaista Asif and Shazia Syed are setting benchmarks in the business world.
These stories highlight the power of women to break barriers and shape futures, not just for themselves but for their communities and beyond. They remind us that while challenges may persist, the spirit to overcome them burns brighter. As they continue to excel in diverse fields, they inspire hope for a future where gender no longer dictates opportunities, and every girl can dream as big as she wants.
In celebrating these achievements, we must also recognise the importance of creating environments where more women can thrive. This means supporting policies that promote gender equality, celebrating women’s accomplishments, and encouraging young girls to pursue their passions fearlessly.
The journey of these exceptional women is not just about individual success but about paving the way for countless others. Their stories are a testament to the fact that when women rise, they lift entire communities with them. Let us continue to cheer them on and work towards a world where every woman can achieve her fullest potential.
The writer is the Head of Content at a communication agency based in Karachi.
