A BRADFORD woman has spoken of breaking the mould after becoming the first female CEO of a major Muslim-led international charity.

Ridwana Wallace-Laher has taken up the position at Wakefield-based Penny Appeal, where she has worked on and off for eight years.

Although other, smaller Muslim charities have had female CEOs in the past, Penny Appeal claims to be the first working at the level it does to have appointed a woman in this position.

Ridwana, who grew up in Bradford Moor, said she now wants to be a role model to others.

“I’m really pleased, these are exciting times and I feel like a trendsetter,” the former Co-op Academy Grange teacher said.

“Bradford sometimes has negative connotations, and people here think they can’t get the top jobs, but this shows that your local girl from the city – a Muslim hijabi – can still achieve.

“I’m a representation of the communities I’ve grown up in. Through hard work and dedication, us women can get those top roles.”

Ridwana – who, along with her husband Ash and their children, is a Bradford City season ticket holder – continued to speak about how vital this appointment is.

“Unfortunately, the Muslim charity sector is very male-dominated – so this speaks volumes and is a very bold move,” she said.

“Women can be just as good as men in these roles. Since being appointed, many woman have congratulated me and said it has spurred them on to keep pushing in their careers and aim for the stars.

“If one or two of us can break those barriers, it makes it easier for others. It’s all about being passionate, you shouldn’t let being a woman hold you back.”

One of Ridwana’s first tasks will centre around the devastating Turkey-Syria earthquake.

“It’s absolutely heart-breaking and very hard to watch,” she said.

“Whenever these emergencies happen, Penny Appeal is one of the first charities to be on the frontline. We mobilised a team straight away. It’s really important that charities come together, don’t forget about these people and offer the best support they can.”

Mohammed Jahangir, Chairman of Trustees at Penny Appeal, said: “I am delighted to welcome Ridwana as new CEO of Penny Appeal. She stood out against all other candidates through a tough selection process, and we are proud to have her here.

“She is the first Muslim woman to hold the CEO position at a major international charity, and may she be the first of many.”