President — Equality Club (YLAC-affiliated)

Context

The Equality Club was a student-led initiative initially associated with Oxfam and later aligned with YLAC (Young Leaders for Active Citizenship), focused on promoting inclusion, diversity, and equitable practices within the school environment.

I was brought into the club based on prior work, involvement, and trust in my ability to contribute — and was later entrusted with the role of President.

Role & Responsibility

As President, I was responsible for structuring the club, guiding members, and ensuring that initiatives aligned with both the club’s objectives and the broader goals set by partner organizations.

• —Structured the club into defined roles and responsibilities for efficient functioning
• —Led planning and execution of initiatives, workshops, and awareness activities
• —Facilitated discussions on inclusion, diversity, and social responsibility
• —Coordinated with members and faculty to ensure continuity and participation
• —Maintained direction and accountability across all ongoing initiatives

Challenges

One of the most significant challenges was navigating team dynamics. Since I was appointed without going through the standard selection process, there was initial pushback from some members.

Leading a group under these circumstances required maintaining composure, earning trust through action, and consistently delivering results while managing expectations and responsibilities.

Key Moments

There were multiple defining moments, including impromptu discussions where leadership was questioned, requiring calm handling and clarity in direction.

Late-night working sessions with the team — especially while preparing materials and initiatives — became a constant, reinforcing both responsibility and ownership.

Impact

The club evolved into a structured and functional unit where members actively contributed to initiatives and discussions. It created a space where students could engage with topics of equality in a thoughtful and respectful manner.

Reflection

This experience reshaped my understanding of leadership. Managing people is not just about assigning tasks — it involves handling resistance, building trust, and maintaining direction even when challenged.

It also expanded my understanding of equality — beyond surface-level definitions — into something more layered, involving perspective, awareness, and sensitivity in everyday interactions.

Acknowledgement

I would like to acknowledge Ms. Faria Samreen for her trust and guidance — for recognizing potential, providing the opportunity, and supporting the journey throughout.