The Power & Intent of a Diverse Female Leader

Mitra Khakbaz, Deputy CEO of Host International believes we must weave diversity through the very fibre of our organisations, across all levels of form and function to meet the growing diversity of our society.

Mitra asks how do we begin to hear the diverse voices of people who are refugees or who have been displaced from their countries of origin? Mitra speaks of the role of participatory leadership where all voices are heard through a process that facilitates participation and power-sharing within communities. Apart from her work with Host International, Mitra is on a personal mission to empower and support women and girls going through resettlement in Australia. In her conversation, she shares insights into her emerging conceptual framework for a support network that seeks to address the pressing issues for this cohort of women. Across our conversation, Mitra draws on a rich tapestry of her own unique journey as a young woman, seeking a secure future in Australia.

Mitra shares insights about the numerous challenges and barriers women face when they find themselves displaced from their country of origin. She shares insights into participatory protection that is a feature of some of Host International's place-based initiatives across South East Asia.

Mitra is generous in sharing her leadership reflections, sharing insights into her own lifelong learning journey to leadership, leaving us with much to reflect on as we move forward in our own journeys.