Amidst the ever-changing dynamics of the workplace, a strong advocate for women's rights and empowerment has emerged. Fozia Rashid, a courageous former whistleblower, has transformed her own experience of facing retaliation for exposing fraud and corruption into a powerful mission to bridge the gap between employees and employers. Through her groundbreaking initiative, "She Speaks Out," Fozia is dedicated to creating a world where every woman can thrive in a safe, respectful, and fair work environment.

With a deep understanding of the unique challenges that women encounter in the workplace, Fozia has established a valuable, free resource service that offers guidance, support, and encouragement for women navigating complex situations. From lodging complaints to negotiating for fair compensation, "She Speaks Out" is empowering women to discover their voice and stand up for their rights

Today, we are thrilled to have Fozia Rashid with us to delve into her extraordinary journey, the inspiration behind "She Speaks Out," and her vision for fostering a more inclusive and empowering workplace culture.

1. Fozia, your personal experience as a whistleblower who faced retaliation for exposing wrongdoing was undoubtedly a catalyst for establishing "She Speaks Out." Can you share with us the pivotal moment or the turning point that inspired you to create this platform?

When I was fired for whistleblowing, essentially speaking up at work, I had never felt so alone. I didn’t want anyone to have to experience what I did. I knew I wanted to do something to help advocate for women in the workplace, to empower them, and that’s when the idea for “She Speaks Out” was born.

Through my own experiences, I saw first-hand the challenges and barriers that women face in the workplace when they speak out against injustice or discrimination. I witnessed the power dynamics at play, the fear of retaliation, and the lack of support for women who dare to raise their voices. This fuelled my determination to create a platform where women could share their stories, find solidarity, and access resources to navigate the complex terrain of standing up for their rights

I am driven by the belief that every woman deserves to be heard, respected, and protected in the workplace. I am committed to advocating for policies and practices that promote gender equality, diversity, and inclusion. I am dedicated to creating a safe and supportive space where women can speak out without fear of retribution. My mission with "She Speaks Out" is to empower women to advocate for themselves, to amplify their voices, and to drive lasting change in the corporate world.

2. In your opinion, what are the most significant barriers or challenges that women face when it comes to speaking up about misconduct, discrimination, or unfair treatment in the workplace?

Women often encounter subtle or overt forms of discrimination, micro aggressions, and barriers that limit their career growth and success.

"She Speaks Out" aims to address these issues by giving women the tools to empower themselves and assert their rights in the workplace. Knowledge is power, and through the resources, information, and support provided by "She Speaks Out," women can educate themselves about their rights, learn how to navigate challenging situations, and build the confidence to speak up against injustice.

Through empowerment, education, and solidarity, "She Speaks Out" strives to create a more equitable and respectful workplace environment where women are valued, respected, and treated fairly. By amplifying women's voices, challenging systemic discrimination, and promoting gender equality, "She Speaks Out" is working towards a future where all women feel empowered to speak out and stand up for their rights in the professional world.

3. "She Speaks Out" offers a range of services, including employment guidance, support, and encouragement. Can you elaborate on the specific resources and tools available to women who seek assistance from your platform?

Some of the specific resources available include:

1. Letter templates and checklists for reporting incidents at work: These tools can help women navigate the process of reporting workplace issues such as harassment, discrimination, or other misconduct. The templates provide a structured and professional way to communicate concerns to employers or HR departments.

2. Support for making workplace adjustments: Women may need to adjust their work arrangements due to health conditions or other personal circumstances. "She Speaks Out" offers guidance and resources for requesting accommodations, such as reducing work hours, changing schedules, or modifying job duties. This support can help women advocate for their needs and ensure a safe and comfortable work environment.

3. Employment guidance and encouragement: In addition to practical resources, "She Speaks Out" provides motivational support and encouragement for women facing challenges in the workplace. This may include tips for building confidence, navigating career advancement opportunities, or overcoming barriers to success.

It's important to note that "She Speaks Out" is a free membership website, and all resources are 100% free. This accessibility ensures that all women, regardless of their financial situation, can access the support and tools they need to thrive in their careers.

4. Many women may hesitate to speak up due to fear of retaliation or the potential impact on their careers. How does "She Speaks Out" address these concerns and empower women to take action without compromising their professional aspirations?

At "She Speaks Out," we understand the fear and hesitation that many women may experience when considering speaking up in the workplace. It can be intimidating to confront difficult situations, especially when there is a risk of retaliation or negative consequences for one's career.

Having been in that position myself, I empathise with these concerns and recognize the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for women to voice their experiences and concerns. It's essential to empower women to use their voices and advocate for themselves, knowing that their actions can lead to positive change not only for themselves but for future generations as well.

By providing resources, guidance, and encouragement, "She Speaks Out" aims to equip women with the tools they need to navigate challenging situations at work while minimizing the risks and impact on their professional aspirations. We believe that every small change made today contributes to a better tomorrow, and we are committed to supporting women in their journey towards empowerment and equality in the workplace.

5. Fostering a culture of transparency and accountability is a core mission of "She Speaks Out." What steps or strategies do you recommend for employers to create a truly inclusive and safe environment where women feel comfortable voicing their concerns?

1. Establish clear policies and procedures: Ensure that your organization has clear policies in place regarding harassment, discrimination, and other issues that may impact women in the workplace. Make sure that these policies are communicated to all employees and are easily accessible.

2. Provide regular training: Offer training sessions on topics such as unconscious bias, inclusive leadership, and effective communication. Encourage open discussions and provide opportunities for employees to ask questions and share their experiences.

3. Encourage open communication: Create a culture where women feel comfortable speaking up about their concerns without fear of retaliation. Encourage open dialogue between employees and management, and provide multiple channels for employees to voice their concerns, such as anonymous reporting systems or open-door policies.

4. Celebrate diversity and achievements: Recognize and celebrate the contributions of women in the workplace, and highlight their achievements. This can help to create a more inclusive environment where women feel valued and respected.

By implementing these strategies and actively working towards creating a transparent and accountable workplace culture, employers can create an environment where women feel comfortable voicing their concerns and are supported in doing so.

6. Beyond providing resources and support, what is your long-term vision for "She Speaks Out"? How do you envision this platform contributing to broader societal change and gender equality in the workplace?

Our long-term vision for "She Speaks Out" is to become a leading platform for empowering women in the workplace and driving meaningful change towards gender equality. We envision creating a strong and supportive community where women can share their experiences, advocate for their rights, and inspire others to do the same.

Through "She Speaks Out," we aim to amplify the voices of women in the workplace and shine a light on issues such as gender discrimination, harassment, and unequal opportunities. By providing a platform for women to share their stories and experiences, we hope to raise awareness of these issues and foster greater understanding and empathy among all stakeholders.

In addition, we envision "She Speaks Out" as a catalyst for broader societal change by advocating for policy reforms, promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and challenging harmful stereotypes and biases. We believe that by empowering women in the workplace and creating a more inclusive and equitable environment, we can contribute to a more just and equal society for all.

Ultimately, our goal is to create a world where women feel safe, supported, and valued in the workplace, where their voices are heard and their contributions are recognised. We believe that by working towards this vision, we can help drive positive change and advance gender equality in the workplace and beyond.