Meet the Chevening alumna championing climate, education, and human rights

‘Believe in the power of your voice, your strengths, and your ideas. You can make positive change with small steps that lead to a bigger impact.'

Since completing her Chevening Scholarship at Oxford University, Zile Huma has been at the forefront of initiatives that combine climate action, human rights, and higher education to create lasting social impact.  

In recent years, Zile has:  

  • Pioneered climate change degree programmes in universities 
  • Led voter education campaigns  
  • Volunteered on the world’s first Oxford COVID-19 Tracker  
  • Developed financial empowerment programmes for the transgender community  
  • Contributed articles on climate and environmental issues  
  • Established an endowment fund to support female education 

Her achievements have earned recognition on national and international stages, including: 

She was also a finalist for the British Council UK Alumni Award and the UK Postgraduate Award 2020 and has received appreciation letters from senior government officials in Pakistan.  

A commitment to justice and resilience 

Zile’s work is driven by a deep commitment to building a just, resilient and inclusive society. Growing up in Pakistan, a country affected by climate vulnerability and socio-economic inequalities, she saw firsthand how environmental challenges directly impact people’s rights, opportunities, and wellbeing.  

‘Climate change disproportionately affects marginalised groups. Addressing it effectively requires policies that protect rights, empower communities and create long-term pathways for resilience. 

‘Higher education plays a transformative role in shaping informed citizens and climate-literate leaders. My motivation comes from working at the intersection of these fields to create platforms where young people, women, and vulnerable communities can fully participate in solutions.’

The Chevening journey 

In 2019, Zile completed her master’s in Public Policy Analysis at Oxford University.

‘The Chevening experience equipped me with the tools to design inclusive policies and lead initiatives that create meaningful impact at the grassroots and beyond.’  

Among her many contributions during the scholarship, Zile remotely volunteered for the Oxford COVID-19 Tracker, a flagship project of the Blavantik School of Government. She supported real-time coding of government policy responses on education, transport, and border closures enabling governments worldwide to compare measures and adopt more effective strategies during the pandemic. 

Sharing leadership through experience  

Key moments in her public service career have also shaped her approach to leadership. Working on climate-related awareness initiatives during floods and heatwaves in Pakistan, she witnessed the disproportionate impact on women, children, and low-income households.  

‘Leadership must be compassionate, people-centred, and grounded in evidence-based policymaking.’ 

Empowering the next generation 

Zile is passionate about empowering the next generation of leaders.  

‘Believe in the power of your voice, your strengths, and your ideas. You can make positive change with small steps that lead to a bigger impact. You don’t need perfect conditions to start, you can begin exactly where you are, with the resources you have.’ 

Through her achievements and ongoing initiatives, Zile Huma is demonstrating the transformative potential of Chevening Scholars with knowledge, leadership, and a commitment to positive change to build a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable world. 

Related news

Accelerating your career with Chevening

‘My Chevening experience was pivotal in this journey. It enriched me academically, broadened my global outlook, and strengthened my ability to connect across regions and disciplines.’