FERYAL BENSALAH

Feryal studied Economics and Business and following this began a career in the asset management industry. Over the last 20 years, she has gained professional and volunteer experience across corporates, charities, non profits, schools and further education. Her interest in humanitarian causes, child welfare and education led her to join the board of a UK-based charity which supports survivors of human trafficking and provides educational services in India.

“Despite the Tough Times, We Must Keep Going”

Q: Tell us a few things about you! Your background, your childhood and early beginnings! 

I emigrated from Mauritius and moved to Edinburgh, Scotland with my family at the age of 3. It was a life-changing move for my parents, an opportunity to escape the struggles of life back home and to build a better future. It was the best start I could have hoped for. My childhood was happy, stable and full of new adventures.

From an early age, I was taught the importance of learning. My parents lacked the opportunity to study yet knew it was the pathway to progression. They also believed in education beyond the classroom - discipline, patience, gratitude, resilience. These important life lessons were transformative in developing my mind and values and put me on a strong path early on.  Through the support of my parents and teachers, I thrived at school and achieved my academic goals. I gained a place at the University of Edinburgh and went on to study Economics and Business Studies.  After graduation, I began a career in Finance. I am indebted to my parents for their guidance and support. I know how valuable a stable and happy childhood is in shaping the later years. It developed my values and my character and put me on the right path early on. I hope that through supporting my children and teaching them the same values, it will inspire them in the same way and help them progress in life.

Q: What are some of the key challenges in your society currently?

Inequality of access to education and employment are challenges that continue to exist in the developed world. Economic and social disadvantage can make life a tougher journey for some and often talent can be where we least expect it. We need the means to identify, connect and support this group and give them the same opportunities. Non-profits and charities are playing an important role in tackling inequality and imbalance. Tutoring for charities working to bridge the educational attainment gap and mentoring for students from disadvantaged backgrounds has allowed me to contribute to the wider effort. Through collective efforts we will see real progress and make the world a fairer place where everyone has the chance to prosper.

Q: Share with us some of the hurdles that you had to overcome in your life so far? How did you handle them? 

Over a period of 6 months I changed cities, changed jobs, got married and lost my father. The impact of all this over a short space of time was profound and the mix of emotions shook me. Joy was met with profound sadness and that was overwhelming. It was a difficult period that demanded resilience and patience. Life after this looked different. It always is after losing a parent. I consoled myself with the knowledge there were some blessings to be grateful for. I spent the last weekend of my father’s life in his company, a precious gift in itself. I had the excitement of a new city, married life and a new job. It reminded me that despite the tough times, we must keep going, support our families and trust life will get better. The experience has made me stronger.  

Q: Why is the role of a mentor important for you? 

The role of a mentor is important as it allows you to share your journey with someone who has walked the same path and can provide a supportive voice, share their experiences and lessons learnt. It also creates accountability and encourages you to focus and think about your journey ahead and take action. Finally, a mentor will push and challenge you to help you grow and develop, this is invaluable for making progress and having the courage to move in new directions.

Q: Do you have a lesson that life has taught you and you would like to share? 

Developing good habits early on, helps navigate the challenges of life. For example, being responsible with money from an early age brought me security later on in life and the peace of mind, flexibility and freedom to take time out and consider new directions. Another lesson is to put action behind your passions and explore where they can take you. My interest in international development led me to take on a role as a trustee of a charity supporting woman and children impacted by human trafficking. The role has been personally rewarding and helped me develop skills, experience and knowledge in a new field.

Q: Name a project, a foundation or a person in your country that you think is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives! 

Education charity Action Tutoring is doing valuable and impactful work across schools in the UK through its programme of tutoring for students most in need. This is directly addressing the educational attainment gap and is working hard to narrow this gap through the dedication and care of its tutors who give their time voluntarily. The charity’s mission to support the most disadvantaged students is commendable, empowering these students with the same chance to succeed in school. I joined the programme in February and found the experience highly rewarding and a great opportunity to make a difference in a student’s life.  

Q: What are some of the challenges that women in your country face and what efforts are being made towards gender equality?

Balancing careers with raising children is one of the most difficult challenges for women. This is compounded in societies where there is no extended family network. The ability to manage both and find the right balance is a test of emotional and physical resilience. Societal pressures can also force women into making the wrong decisions. We must have conviction in the decisions we take and only make decisions that are right for us. Every woman's journey is unique, it is crucial that we foster an environment free of judgment.  Flexible employment options, respect and understanding are key to supporting all women regardless of the path they find themselves’ on.

Q: Share with us a motto you live by. 

I live by the moto: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did but people will never forget how you made them feel” - Maya Angelou.  

The realities of life can test some more than others. Showing empathy, kindness and understanding can turn someone’s bad day into a good day and make all the difference.  Life is a roller coaster and in a world that already has its fair share of problems, we should not seek to add to them but show understanding and compassion in our everyday interactions. This helps develop harmonious relationships built on respect and trust and build a world where everyone is valued.

Q: If you had all the money needed to launch the project of your dreams, can you describe what you would do? 

I would open up education and learning centres within the most deprived regions around the world to help break the cycle of disadvantage and provide the least fortunate with the same opportunities to better their life. These centres would serve as hubs for empowerment, offering not just basic education but also vocational training, life skills, and mentorship. Encouraging a culture of learning and self-improvement would help individuals realize their potential, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and help break the cycle of poverty for future generations.