Rabia Siddique, a Soldier, Human Rights Lawyer, mother of triplets, and hostage survivor, will headline Newcastle’s International Women’s Day Business Breakfast.
Co-founder of the Equal Futures Project, Kirsten Molloy said the event unites the business community in raising awareness and support for gender equity, while raising funds fora local women’s charity.
“We are thrilled to have secured Rabia Siddique, an internationally renowned speaker and author, to speak at our eighth international women’s day breakfast. This year’s theme is resilience, which is fitting, given Rabia’s extraordinary achievements,” Kirsten said.
“Rabia is passionate about leadership and is sure to inspire all of us in being courageous and effective leaders who create environments in which others can thrive.”
After starting life as a Criminal Defence Lawyer and youngest ever Federal Prosecutor in Western Australia,Rabia moved to the UK in 1998 where she eventually commissioned as a Legal Officer in the British Army in 2001.
In a terrifying ordeal that garnered worldwide attention, along with a male colleague, Rabia assisted with the rescue of two Special Forces Soldiers from Iraqi insurgents in Basra.Her male colleague received a Military Cross for outstanding bravery, while Rabia’s part in the incident was covered up by the British Army and Government. In a fight for justice she brought a landmark discrimination case against the UK Ministry of Defence, and won.
Rabia went on to become a Crown Advocate in the British Counter Terrorism Division, which saw her prosecuting terrorists, hate crimes and advising on war crimes prosecutions in The Hague.
The event, organised by the Equal Futures Project and sponsored by Pacific National, will beheld on Friday 9 March at Wests New Lambton.
The event will raise funds for the Hunter Women’s Centre, a not-for-profit organisation that provides services to Hunter women who are marginalised, experiencing disadvantage or having difficulty in accessing services elsewhere. Sponsors include Pacific National, venue sponsor Wests and emcee Natasha Beyersdorf of NBN News.
The Equal Futures Project raises awareness of gender inequality in our workplaces, homes and community. It engages business leaders to create an inclusive culture where diversity is respected and valued, and women and men have an equal opportunity of success.
IMAGE |Rabia Siddique will headline Newcastle’s International Women’s Day Business Breakfast.