Lina, a refugee who fled conflict in her home country, has built a charity that now supports over 115,000 women globally. In a recent interview, she shared the leadership lessons she learned along the way, emphasizing the power of community and the need for inclusive leadership practices.
From Refugee to Founder
Lina arrived in the UK with little more than a determination to rebuild her life. She started the charity from a small room, focusing on providing education and skills training to women who, like her, had been displaced by conflict. The organization has since grown to operate in multiple countries, offering programs in entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and mental health support.
According to Lina, the key to scaling the charity was not just funding but building trust within the communities it served. “We didn’t just come in with a plan; we listened to what women actually needed,” she said. This approach led to a 90% retention rate in their programs, a statistic she attributes to the charity’s community-led model.
Leadership Lessons from the Frontline
Lina shared three core leadership lessons from her experience. First, she stressed the importance of vulnerability. “As a leader, you don’t have to have all the answers. Admitting when you don’t know something builds trust,” she said. Second, she highlighted the need for diverse perspectives in decision-making. Her charity’s board includes women from the communities they serve, ensuring that policies reflect real needs.
Third, Lina emphasized resilience. “There were days when we didn’t know if we could pay the rent for our office. But we kept going because the women we support kept showing up,” she recalled. The charity now has an annual budget of £2 million, funded largely through grants and individual donations.
Impact and Future Plans
The charity’s impact is measurable: 70% of participants have reported improved economic independence, and 40% have started their own businesses. Lina’s next goal is to expand the charity’s digital platform, which currently reaches 30,000 women online, to bridge the gap for those in remote areas.
“We are not just a charity; we are a movement of women supporting women,” Lina said. The organization plans to launch a mentorship program connecting successful alumni with new participants, aiming to double the number of women supported within the next five years.
