by Maria Khan

What does it mean to lead with purpose, to serve with sincerity, or to inspire without even trying? I didn’t really know, until I met Iqra Shahzadi. She and her team paid a visit to my school on Veterans’ Day 2023, giving us a great opportunity to ask about her career. But before I tell you about her, let me tell you where I was and why our paths crossed at just the right time.

I’m a 15-year-old Muslim girl, currently preparing for my GCSEs and still navigating the journey of carving out a meaningful future. Like many people my age, I’m juggling the challenge of balancing my career ambitions with my faith and trying to discover what truly aligns with my values, passions, and purpose. It’s not always easy to figure out where you fit in, especially when your perspective feels different from those around you. But I believe it’s in that very difference that we can create something special—something that feels true to who we are.

Iqra Shahzadi is the first hijabi British soldier in the army, born in Lahore, Pakistan and raised in a household deeply valuing Urdu language and culture. Her mum would always say to her: “Iqra your tongue carries a legacy; never forget that”. So, when moving to the UK at the age of 10, she faced cultural shocks, cold weather and bullying over her accent. Gradually she embraced her identity and mastered English by using YouTube to teach herself the language. Iqra pursued a path uncommon in her community, combining nursing ambition with a military career, she then became a combat medical technician earning a 3-year nursing degree to serve as a military nurse.

As a hijab-wearing Muslim in the British army, she had to defy assumptions: “just because I wear a hijab doesn’t mean I’m not competent.”

As a hijab-wearing Muslim in the British army, she had to defy assumptions: “just because I wear a hijab doesn’t mean I’m not competent.” Iqra is committed to commemorating the overlooked contributions of South Asian and Muslim servicemen, particularly from the World Wars.

When I met Iqra and saw her in military uniform, proudly wearing a hijab alongside the British army badge, I was honestly shocked and quite surprised, but also inspired because growing up I only had careers such as medicine, education, law and engineering in my mind. Being a woman in the army just didn’t occur to me, mainly because I didn’t come across any female role models or Muslim women who have joined to serve the nation.

In South Asian communities, especially for girls, there are often unspoken limits placed on what’s acceptable or respectable. I’m not saying we are restricted from aiming higher, no, not at all, but joining the army, wearing a hijab and representing Britain in uniform? That is not just uncommon- it’s almost unthinkable. It left me questioning if it was a right fit for me because I struggle to see anyone of my own identity and value in that space.

I remember sitting there, watching Iqra and my mind was racing with questions. How did she manage to overcome all the obstacles? How did she defy the stereotypes that so many others are bound by? How did her parents feel about her decisions, were they upset or did they support her throughout her career? And most importantly, how did her community respond - were they angry, questioning her boldness, or were they proud of her for taking such a significant step forward? Did they admire her for becoming the first hijabi soldier, breaking barriers in a space where diversity is often overlooked?

would they judge me for being too bold and not fitting in the image they have of a Muslim, South Asian girl?

These questions are still lingering with me because I just couldn’t help but wonder: will I ever find the strength to step outside of what is expected of me? To make my own path where there might not be one yet? And if I did summon up the courage to take the first step, what would my family think, and most importantly would my community be proud of me for having the audacity to break the mould or would they judge me for being too bold and not fitting in the image they have of a Muslim, South Asian girl?

I would like to take a moment to thank Iqra Shahzadi for being such an incredible inspiration, she has shattered barriers and shown the world her courage, bravery and dedication. Iqra, you have been an excellent role model and your resilience served a powerful reminder that we are capable of achieving anything if we work hard for it. We are proud of you and I am eternally grateful for the example you have set. You are not just a soldier, but a mentor for young girls, including me and other girls who dare to dream beyond limit. You have inspired me to believe in myself and to push past limits and for that I am truly thankful!