From grassroots campaigning in India to co-leading one of the world’s most influential organisations, Areeba Hamid’s journey is one of purpose, resilience and quiet power.

As the first woman and first person of colour to lead Greenpeace UK, Areeba shares her deeply personal path into activism – seeded by the influence of a grandmother who showed her it is possible for women to ‘defy expectations’ by raising a child alone in post-Partition India, and her grandfather, a newspaper editor who was active in the Indian independence movement and filled her childhood with stories of resistance and political action.

In conversation with Abi Mellor, Areeba reflects on: 🔹 How she fell in love with campaigning and activism, but it was the idea of going on the boat that really drew her in. 🔹 How she’s making co-leadership work at Greenpeace UK through a ‘high-trust, low ego’ model. 🔹 How Greenpeace took on (and beat) Shell in the courts 🔹 Why she believes only strong leadership can save us from a climate catastrophe 🔹 The weight of breaking the leadership mould, and her experiences of navigating identity, belonging, and leadership in the UK charity sector

Areeba’s story is both inspiring and urgent – a powerful reminder of what can happen when bold values meet fearless action.

About Greenpeace UKGreenpeace UK is part of a global network campaigning for a greener, more peaceful planet. Through direct action, lobbying, research and innovative communication, it works to expose environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and just future.

www.greenpeace.org.uk

Instagram: @greenpeaceuk

BlueSky: greenpeace.bsky.social

TikTok: @greenpeaceuk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greenpeaceuk

Areeba recommends 📖 Butter by Asako Yuzuki – Get it here 🖼 In the Mood for Love: Hockney in London 1960–1963 at Hazlitt Holland-Hibbert – More info 🎧 This American Life – Listen here

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