Photo courtesy of R. Umaima Ahmed

R. Umaima Ahmed introduces herself:

For the past 12 years I have been working as a journalist in Lahore, Pakistan and have actively been involved in volunteer work with old age homes, survivors of terrorism, interfaith harmony groups, transgender communities, gender rights, digital rights and animal protection.

I was introduced to GV in 2018 by Anushe Noor and we collaborated on post regarding Imran Khan’s first tenure as a Prime Minister. Since then, there has been no looking back, I have reported on topics ranging from digital rights, politics, animal abuse and gender issues.

At GV, I have grown to have a better understanding of politics and grass root movements taking place globally. GV has helped me connect with people from different cultures and listening to alternate perspective has given me a better understanding of world view. I also had the opportunity to co-author stories which enhanced my ability to communicate ideas and work collectively.

All candidates in the 2026 board elections have been asked to answer the set of questions listed below. Feel free to ask R. Umaima Ahmed additional questions in the comments area below this post!

What appeals to you most about the prospect of serving on the GV board?

As someone from Pakistan where voices are ‘brushed under the carpet’ I believe this will give me an opportunity to connect with people globally and find solutions to give space to those who are lost to the system in South Asia. A region that is usually projected only in the political and economic arena but not at a deeper level.

Being a part of this board, I would be able to bring everyone’s attention to community issues like forced conversions, child marriages, violence against genders, systematic pushbacks in South Asia. We may be able to devise some awareness campaigns and amplify discussions on issues that are taking place in other communities.

What talents, skills, networks, and expertise can you offer Global Voices in your role as board representative?

I am not only a journalist but come with years of experience as an activist and volunteer work with marginalized communities that require attention, support and guidance.

I am also working in a Digital Rights organization in Pakistan for over 2 years, providing support and guidance to journalists against harassment, digital safety and legal rights.

I have also worked in Centre for Social Justice, an organization that focuses on religious minority rights, along with that I have been a member of Bargaad’s steering committee advising on youth engagement and interfaith harmony. I am also volunteering for The Grief Directory that focuses on survivors of terrorism. Over the years I have also been a member of various animal rights groups that assist in rescuing, fostering and adopting animals and creating awareness on Trap Neuter Vaccinate Release for cats and dogs.

My connections in these communities can prove very helpful in finding new voices in the news section, creating networks globally and finding solutions to grass root issues.

As you look ahead to the next three years, what, in your opinion, should be GV’s overarching priorities as an organization?

The next three years should focus on how we can expand our volunteer circles and sustain it, because in today’s world, unfortunately, people need a steady income to survive.

We also need to dive deeper into rural areas, build connections and create global networks for them to find better avenues to progress and hold their governments accountable.

We can connect with digital rights organizations internationally and organize webinar sessions or advocate on safely using online spaces in communities that are facing the brunt of draconian laws that are throttling freedom of expression.

Last but not the least, I believe in current times majority of us are over worked and mentally exhausted. We need to focus on bringing in mental health experts for GV members in case anyone requires support.

What aspect of GV’s work interests you the most?

The Lingua section has always fascinated me; our readers don’t have to depend on one universal language. They can stay connected globally by reading stories in their languages. I hope one day we are able to find volunteers for translating stories in Urdu language. Secondly, GV has been the reason so many stories, that are over looked by mainstream media, have found space and a voice globally which is why I feel privileged to be a part of this platform.

What would you like to get out of this board service experience, both professionally and personally?

On a professional level, I hope to deepen my understanding of how organizations operate, make decisions, and manage risk. On a personal level, I aim to gain confidence and strengthen my critical and analytical thinking skills.

How will you fit board service into your personal and other professional work commitments?

I believe my work on a daily basis at a professional and personal level revolves around public interaction, chalking out work plans in projects, brain storming ideas and engaging with people in communities and telling stories. All these aspects align with the vision and work that is required to be a part of GV board.

What methods would you use to engage and listen to the community in order to represent them effectively at board level?

Even though I am available on the major three social media platforms and easily reachable. I prefer engaging with communities on a more personal level, for that I will try creating a small group that will have representatives from all communities where they can share their concerns or suggestions. Hold online meetings with them at least once a month to know the latest updates and find solutions to how GV can contribute.