Rabia Siddique

Rabia Siddique's Biography

Rabia Siddique is an international humanitarian lawyer, retired British Army senior officer, former war crimes and terrorism prosecutor and hostage survivor.

She has undertaken humanitarian aid work in Asia, South America, Europe and the Middle East, for which she was decorated by Queen Elizabeth II.

Having survived a hostage crisis in Iraq in 2005 Rabia sued the British Government for discrimination when both the military and government tried to cover up her involvement in the incident, which saw her leading hostage negotiations for the release of two British Special Forces illegally kidnapped and detained by Iraqi based terrorists.  Rabia was held hostage for over eight hours and subjected to cruel and unusual treatment in front of her male colleagues. After their eventual rescue Rabia’s colleagues were recognised, psychologically supported and decorated for their efforts and bravery, however Rabia was gagged, ignored and ordered to never speak of the role she played on that fateful day where she almost lost her life.

As a result of her betrayal at the hands of her military superiors and the then Prime Minister of Great Britain Rabia was diagnosed with PTSD and after her recovery she held both the British Army and Government to account for their systematic discrimination of women and ethnic minorities.  Her landmark case made international news and saw the floodgates open for many similar cases.  It heralded profound changes in defence and public policy, attitudes and the support offered to female soldiers serving on the frontline, ethnic minorities and military personnel suffering with PTSD.

Rabia’s best selling memoir “Equal Justice: My Journey as a Woman, a Soldier and a Muslim” was published by Pan MacMillan in 2013 and work is currently underway to adapt this to a movie.  She is currently writing her second book “A Beautiful Revolution”, a book about the power we all have to be the change in our lives and in the world around us.

Through her professional experience as an international lawyer, senior executive, military leader, board director and trusted mentor, and her lived experience as a humanitarian worker and trauma survivor, Rabia brings unique perspectives to her work like no other.

Her core purpose is the pursuit of multi-sector reform, cultural change, and leadership transformation, in order to combat one of the biggest crises of our time – the erosion of trust – in our institutions, organisations and leaders.

Rabia is driven to serve, empower and inspire leaders to earn and build trust; by fostering greater resilience, integrity, inclusion and belonging. This is the key to enhancing leadership and organisational credibility and ensuring sustainable success.

Rabia is a multi award winning story teller, inspirational speaker, leadership consultant, media commentator and human rights advocate. Peace and the sustainability of our planet is what drives her.

Contact Helene Greenham directly to enquire about Rabia Siddique for your next event – Helene@platinumspeakers.com.au

Speaking Topics Include

Courage under fire

An unforgettable presentation ideal for a wide audience who aspire to be truly great leaders.

Rabia uses her unique and powerful story as a starting point, and by sharing her truths and vulnerabilities with the audience, Rabia explores what it means to be a truly great and authentic leader. She addresses what she believes are the essential qualities and key roles for a great and effective leader. She calls her audience to a higher purpose, challenging them to practice and live great, authentic leadership, to lead by example and be agents of change.

What’s Holding You Hostage

A TOPICAL KEYNOTE ADDRESS THAT WILL INSPIRE LEADERS AT ALL LEVELS TO BE THE CHANGE MAKERS CURRENT TIMES ARE CALLING ON ALL OF US TO BE.

The world is calling upon us to reflect, reset our priorities, to see and fully embrace the realities in front of us – the beautiful and the ugly – and to have the courage to speak up and step up in ways we perhaps never have before. This is the mark of a great leader and change maker, and great leadership is characterised by those who embody and demonstrate resilience, courage, focus, discipline & authenticity. It is this type of leadership that we need more than ever right now. Are you ready to be inspired and empowered to release your inner giant? To be the change you need to be to impact your own life and the lives of others around you? Rabia takes audiences through what it means to be a great leader, and how they, too, can lead themselves with courage, integrity and resilience.

Gifts in a Crisis

An impactful keynote presentation that will equip audiences to change their perspective and truly step up in times of uncertainty and adversity.

Winston Churchill once said, we should never let a good crisis go to waste!

Life is a choice.  We can choose to be the victims of our circumstances, believing that we cannot change what seems overwhelming.  Or we can choose not to be defined by that which often confounds us.  We can choose to adapt, thrive, learn and lead the change that we are all capable of by seeking out the opportunities.

So what choice will you make? How will you use your influence and privileged position? What leader will you be?

Through her lived experience and powerful story-telling, Rabia takes audiences through these questions to decide for themselves.

Equal Justice

An inspiring, entertaining and emotional keynote address.

Rabia’s most commonly requested keynote relates to her very personal story of battling with discrimination, abuse, chronic illness, and PTSD after her involvement in a hostage crisis in Iraq, and then being written out of history. She explores what it means to display moral courage and lead by example, to stand up for one’s principles in the face of criticism, adversity, and sacrifice, to fight for equality, and to live what she teaches.

THE TRUST FRAMEWORK™ BUILDING TRUST IN A CHANGING WORLD OVERVIEW:

The TRUST Framework™ is a leadership consulting model designed to build lasting trust, drive transformation, and cultivate resilience within organizations. Rooted in decades of leadership, humanitarian advocacy, and cultural transformation experience, this model empowers leaders to achieve sustainable success through actionable strategies and real-world insights. HOW IT WORKS: Through tailored consulting, executive coaching, master classes, and keynote presentations, The TRUST Framework™ equips leaders with practical tools to overcome challenges, cultivate trust, and drive meaningful success.

CORE PILLARS OF THE TRUST FRAMEWORK™

1.T – Transparency & Accountability

Focus: Confronting current realities with openness and integrity.

Outcome: Establishes trust through authentic leadership and clear communication.

2.R – Resilience & Adaptability

Focus: Challenging perspectives to encourage flexibility and embrace change.

Outcome: Builds adaptive, diverse teams ready to innovate and drive positive transformation.

3.U – Unity & Psychological Safety

Focus: Creating safe environments where team members feel valued, respected, and empowered.

Outcome: Fosters collaboration and a culture of inclusion and belonging.

4.S – Strategic Values-Driven Leadership

Focus: Leading with core values and ethical principles.

Outcome: Strengthens organizational credibility and long-term integrity.

5.T – Transformational Communication

Focus: Mastering communication and storytelling to inspire and mobilize action.

Outcome: Creates alignment, shared vision, purpose-driven engagement and

LET’S BUILD TRUST THAT LASTS - Partner with me to unlock your full leadership potential, strengthen team and organisational trust, and create a culture of integrity and innovation.