Championing equality and empowerment in the legal arena with Rania Gharib

Passionately building strong bonds with her team, fostering environments that nurture personal and professional growth, and a firm believer in continued learning and adaptability, Rania Gharib, General Counselor at Orange Egypt, personifies resilience, dedication, and hard-earned confidence.

A keen advocate for gender equality, Rania navigates the complexities of the legal field with an approach rooted in empowerment, confidence, and inclusivity.

The legal profession is not always an easy journey. What are some of the lessons you have learned along the way and how have they shaped your outlook on life?

Rania Gharib - General Counselor at Orange Egypt

Indeed, the legal profession comes with its own challenges, but I have also learned several valuable lessons.

One important lesson is to stay resilient and do not be discouraged by obstacles or challenges you are facing in the legal field. Each challenge is an opportunity for growth and learning, highlighting the power of continuous learning and adaptation.

As laws and regulations are constantly evolving, it's crucial to stay updated and adapt to new legal frameworks. Furthermore, I've realized the importance of building strong relationships and networks; collaborating with colleagues, mentors, and industry experts has been invaluable in shaping my personality and my professional growth.

What is an experience that you’ve had that’s unique to a woman, and as a woman working in the law field?

As a woman working in the law field, I have faced a few unique experiences and challenges. I've had to work harder to prove my capabilities and overcome any challenges.

Being promoted to a managerial position at a young age in a male-dominated environment was both challenging, but at the same time rewarding. It highlighted the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and it also reinforced the notion that competence and merit should be the criteria for advancement, regardless of gender.

How did you gain your confidence as a leader and a lawyer?

Confidence as a leader and a lawyer has been gained through a combination of factors. Having knowledge and experience in the subject is essential to building the required confidence needed in my position. Maintaining current knowledge of legal changes and engaging in ongoing education have also been major contributors to my confidence growth.

The presence of encouraging mentors and leaders who had faith in my potential and offered direction and growth prospects has been essential to my professional development, while taking on obstacles, directing transformation plans to success, and witnessing the favorable results reaffirmed my confidence in my skills.

Ultimately, my confidence as a leader and a lawyer has increased as a result of my experience, exposure to a variety of legal and regulatory difficulties, and my successful handling of them.

What is the best advice you’ve heard as a woman in law?

The best advice I've ever heard is that career advancement requires hard effort and skill improvement, as well as confidence in oneself.

"Hard work always pays off"

Acknowledging and valuing your distinct abilities and viewpoints will help you become more confident and productive in your position. Don't be scared to take on new challenges and embrace your skills. The guidance provided to me to establish a support system, pursue mentorship, and stand up for myself has proven to be quite helpful in managing the intricacies of the legal industry.

What attributes do you think every young lawyer must have?

Young lawyers need to possess a strong work ethic, robust communication skills, solid analytical and problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to function well under pressure. Furthermore, in a legal environment that is rapidly changing, it is essential to have a growth mindset, be flexible, and be receptive to new information.

In Egypt, what institutional and societal changes need to be made for women to be further empowered?

Although Egypt has taken significant steps towards empowering women, I believe further institutional and societal changes are necessary for further empowerment.

Promoting gender equality in education and employment opportunities, ensuring equal pay for equal work, providing support systems for working mothers, further encouraging women's participation in decision-making processes, as well as expanding opportunities for social and political positions are important steps towards women's empowerment.

What legal frameworks exist that may enable or hinder gender equality and women’s empowerment?

There are legal frameworks that both enable gender equality and women's empowerment. Enabling frameworks include laws that encourage equal opportunities, prohibit discrimination, and protect women's rights.

However, there may also be legal barriers or societal norms that hinder progress. It is essential to identify and address these barriers through legal reforms, advocacy, and awareness campaigns to create a more inclusive and empowering legal environment.

What are some strategies that can help women achieve the success they want?

Strategies that can help women achieve the success they want include having mentors, establishing clear objectives, and developing a robust professional network. It's critical to grasp challenging responsibilities and take advantage of growth opportunities. Furthermore, encouraging women in the workplace can foster a more welcoming atmosphere and advance group achievement.

 What is one question that you wished you had asked in the course of your professional career?

"How can I balance my personal and professional life effectively?" is the question I keep asking and wish I had asked even more.

Many professionals struggle to strike a true work-life balance, so it's critical to research solutions and get guidance on how to lead a successful professional life in addition to a fulfilling personal one. This holds true for everyone, not just women.