Article:

Women in leadership: a journey of resilience and purpose

Written by Nour Hanbali FCMI Tuesday 31 March 2026

How women’s leadership can shape institutions that are more inclusive, more responsive and better equipped to serve their communities

Leadership journeys are rarely straightforward. For many women, they are shaped by persistence, resilience and the courage to step forward even when the path is uncertain.

Growing up in Palestine, I learned early on that strength is not always loud. Sometimes it appears quietly – in the determination to continue learning, to keep moving forward and to believe that your voice and ideas matter, even when they are not immediately heard.

Unclear expectations

As my professional journey evolved across different environments and sectors – from education to local government and international development – I came to realise that leadership is not defined by titles or positions. It is defined by the ability to contribute meaningfully, to support others and to help organisations move forward with clarity and purpose.

However, this journey has not been without challenges.

CMI report: Tackling the gender pay gap

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Findings in full

Like many women in leadership, I have navigated environments where expectations were not always clearly defined and where credibility sometimes had to be established more deliberately. In multi-stakeholder settings, particularly within traditionally structured institutions, I occasionally found myself needing to assert my perspective more consistently to be included in decision-making spaces.

Being present vs being heard

One of the most formative stages in my leadership journey was my role in international relations at Nablus Municipality in Palestine. Working on building partnerships, facilitating twinning initiatives and contributing to securing development grants allowed me to experience leadership in practice – not as a position, but as a way of making a tangible impact.

Through engaging with international partners and representing the municipality in global forums, I learned that I did not need to wait for permission to lead. By taking the initiative and delivering results that had a visible impact on local communities, I was also representing the voice of a woman from the Middle East in spaces where such representation continues to matter.

One of the key barriers I encountered was not necessarily a lack of opportunity, but the subtle gap between being present and being heard. Early in my career, I realised that technical competence alone is not always enough; visibility, communication and confidence are equally critical. Learning how to articulate ideas clearly, position contributions strategically and engage stakeholders effectively became essential leadership skills.

Keep reading – more from Nour

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