Rabia is an International Humanitarian lawyer, retired British Army senior officer, former war crimes and terrorism prosecutor and hostage survivor. 

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 whilst her male colleagues were recognised and decorated for their efforts and bravery, Rabia was gagged and ordered to never speak of the role she played on that fateful day where she almost lost her life. 

This led to her being diagnosed with PTSD and after her recovery Rabia 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 policy, attitudes and the support offered to female soldiers serving on the frontline, ethnic minorities and military personnel suffering with PTSD. 

Rabia’s memoir “Equal Justice: My Journey as a Woman, a Soldier and a Muslim” was published by Pan MacMillan in 2013 and quickly became a best-seller.   

Rabia, who was eventually decorated by the Queen for her humanitarian work in the Middle East, is now a multi award winning inspirational speaker, leadership consultant, media commentator and human rights advocate. 

But her biggest challenge and joy is being a mother to her young triplet boys!