The greatest challenge facing women in marketing and advertising isn’t always external – it’s the internal doubts that hold them back. Amira Abdelnabi, Senior Client Officer at VML Cairo, believes that the biggest obstacle women face is often themselves.
“Too often, we internalise doubts and question our own capabilities before the world even does,” she says. “But the truth is, we are powerful beyond measure. When women break free from those mental barriers and step forward with confidence, they transform not only their careers but entire industries.”
This self-imposed limitation is something Abdelnabi has witnessed throughout her career. Women hesitate to step into leadership roles, even when they are more than qualified. The challenge is not just about getting a seat at the table – it’s about claiming it with confidence.
“The real challenge isn’t external – it’s believing, unapologetically, that we belong in every room where decisions are made and if we don’t have a seat at the table, get one!”
Defining success on one’s own terms
For young women entering the field, Abdelnabi’s advice is clear: never compromise your values. “No success is worth losing your sense of self,” she adds. In an industry that often demands adaptability, she stresses the importance of staying grounded in one’s beliefs.
“The world may try to define you, but the most powerful thing you can do is define yourself,” she asserts. “Success isn’t just about climbing the ladder; it’s about standing tall in your own truth.”
She encourages women to be bold and resilient, to embrace failures as learning experiences, and to rise stronger after every setback. In an industry where pressure to conform is high, maintaining integrity and self-belief is essential.
This article is part of Campaign Middle East’s ongoing coverage for International Women’s Day. We welcomed open and honest opinions from women within the region’s brand, marketing, creative, PR and comms industry on how they have seen the needle move in terms of access to opportunities, career growth, feeling heard and the challenges they currently face. Although Campaign Middle East does not agree with tokenisation, and welcomes commentary on the topic throughout the year, we have heard the requests of women in leadership positions to share their comments during IWD 2025 and have offered them – and those on their teams – a platform to share their thoughts.
Read more IWD opinions and features here.
Beyond personal success
While she is proud of her own achievements – the triumphs, the failures, the lessons, and the breakthroughs, Abdelnabi finds the greatest fulfilment in the impact she has on others. Over the years, she has sat in countless meeting rooms, ensuring that her voice is not just heard but respected. Yet, what she values most is the opportunity to uplift others.
“I take pride in the calls and messages from former team members, telling me that my mentorship shaped their success. That, to me, is the greatest legacy – empowering others to rise and grow,” she shares. “Leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about impact.”
International Women’s Day: A powerful reminder
For Abdelnabi, International Women’s Day is not just a celebration – it’s a powerful reminder of the work still ahead.
“It’s a reminder that every effort, every stand, every challenge we push through is not in vain,” she says, “It’s a celebration of resilience, brilliance, and strength.”
At the same time, she sees it as a call to action—a chance to reflect on how much further there is to go. “It’s about acknowledging how far we’ve come and inspiring the next woman we meet to go even further.”
This sentiment reflects a broader movement in marketing and advertising – one that calls for greater representation, recognition, and respect for women at every level.
As more women step into leadership roles, the industry continues to evolve, proving that success is not just about individual achievements but about creating opportunities for the next generation. As Abdelnabi says, “Because when one woman rises and breaks the ceiling, we all rise.”
By Amira Abdelnabi, Senior Client Office, VML Cairo.
