Chevening Scholarship Success Story Nariman Bisma – A Journey of Excellence, Equity, and Empowerment

My name is Nariman Bisma, and I’m a development practitioner, gender equality advocate, and proud Chevening Scholar from Pakistan. Born and raised in Peshawar City, I’ve dedicated over a decade to promoting inclusive governance, safeguarding, and protection, especially with and for marginalized and conflict-affected communities.

In 2016, I was honored to receive the prestigious Chevening Scholarship, which enabled me to pursue an MA in International Relations and Democratic Politics at the University of Westminster in London. I graduated with distinction, one of only two students in my cohort to achieve that milestone.

Although I already held an MBA in Human Resource Management, with a focus on training and development, my motivation for this second master’s came from a desire to bridge my hands-on fieldwork with a deeper understanding of policy, advocacy, and rights-based governance. The course at Westminster was exactly what I was looking for.

Why I Chose This Course

The International Relations and Democratic Politics MA offered me a critical and comprehensive understanding of the forces shaping inter-state relations and global politics. It was an intellectually stimulating space where I could examine the principles of democratic thinking—ranging from pluralism and civil society to egalitarianism and human rights—and explore their applications in both old and new democracies.

Studying in a vibrant, multicultural environment helped me connect global ideas to local challenges in Pakistan. It also gave me the opportunity to reflect on my professional journey with fresh theoretical insights and renewed purpose.

Chevening Scholarship Details

The Chevening Scholarship (2016–2017), funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, supported my postgraduate studies at the University of Westminster. But beyond financial support, it gave me something even more meaningful: a global community of driven, high-achieving professionals.

Together, we shared stories, aspirations, and ideas about reshaping the world; whether through diplomacy, development, entrepreneurship, or governance. Most importantly, we did all that with loads of laughter, companionship, and each other's support.

Chevening helped me study a course I would not have been able to afford otherwise. For that, I am forever grateful. The experience inspired me creatively too—I even penned a poem during my time at the University of Westminster, Regent Campus, London. An ode, perhaps, to my Chevening journey?

Welcome to Regent Street, London

(Bisma, Feb 24, 2017)

Where the sun plays hide and seek
And the clouds smile but do not speak
Where romance, style & fashion is at its peak
Welcome to London
Welcome to Regent Street

While studying at University of Westminster
You also hang out with friends
To shop, drink, laugh and eat
Welcome to London
Welcome to Regent Street

It is different than your home
But you do not feel alone
The wind blows in your face and you still dance with happy feet
Welcome to London
Welcome to Regent Street

When you struggle and strive,
You also begin to cherish your life,
You feel energy & passion in every heartbeat
Welcome to London
Welcome to Regent Street

Educational Background

I’ve always valued education as a tool for transformation. Throughout my academic journey, I have consistently ranked among the top students in every institution I attended, including being one of the top 20 position holders in the provincial board exams in Pakistan.

My academic record includes:

• BBA (Hons): GPA 3.7/4.0
• MBA (Human Resource Management): GPA 3.9/4.0
• MA (International Relations and Democratic Politics – Chevening Scholar): Graduated with Distinction

My dissertation explored gender inequality in Pakistan in contrast to the spirit of Islam, and examined the structural and cultural barriers limiting women’s political participation and leadership. This research gave me a theoretical framework that directly enriched my fieldwork and professional contributions.

How I Prepared for the Chevening Scholarship

I first learned about Chevening during my early career in development, when I was already working on grassroots democracy and women’s leadership programs. The idea of blending my field experience with academic insights from a UK institution resonated deeply.

To prepare, I:

• Conducted extensive research through official portals and alumni networks
• Sought guidance from a former Chevening Scholar—my elder sister, who has always been my biggest source of inspiration
• Took the IELTS exam and relied on free online resources to prepare
• Invested time in reflecting deeply while writing my essays, ensuring they demonstrated clear impact and a future vision

What Made My Application Stand Out

Several factors helped my application stand out:

1. Academic Excellence

From school to postgraduate studies, I’ve maintained strong academic performance and was among the top achievers throughout.

2. Proven Leadership and Impact

Before receiving Chevening, I had already led and contributed to high-impact initiatives, such as:

• Facilitating workshops for grassroots and senior political leaders on communications, leadership, and election campaigning
• Conducting trainings and roundtables on political reforms
• Supervising parliamentary associates for two years
• Designing contextualized training modules to support women’s political participation
• Leading media advocacy efforts to promote women’s political participation in the erstwhile tribal areas of Pakistan.
• Volunteering as the Focal Person in UNFPA’s Youth PEER Education Network, conducting Focus Group Discussions with flood-affected women & girls.
• Voluntarily conducting workshops and group sessions with young boys and girls on peer education, sexual and reproductive health & rights.
• Sharing UK scholarship and career guidance with students from underprivileged backgrounds.

3. Strategic Writing and Storytelling

I ensured that my scholarship application was grounded in lived experience. I used clear, evidence-based narratives that reflected both personal resilience and community impact.

4. Post-Scholarship Contribution

After completing my Chevening Scholarship, I joined UNHCR Pakistan as Head of the External Relations Unit in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where I supported refugee protection efforts. I built strong relationships with government officials, media, and partners, facilitated visits by international delegations, and documented refugee success stories to support advocacy and visibility.

I later worked with UN Women as a consultant, conducting a COVID-19 risk assessment for women and girls in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. My role also involved mapping vulnerabilities, identifying GBV survivors, and advising on initiatives related to social cohesion, women's leadership, and economic empowerment.

With Islamic Relief Pakistan, I led the protection and inclusion component across all ongoing projects, ensuring that principles of dignity, equity, and safety were embedded throughout program design and implementation. I was also entrusted with supervising associates under the Young Professionals Development Programme—a role assigned to me in recognition of my strong academic background, demonstrated leadership, and empathetic approach. I ensured the integration of Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) Analysis in all programming and conducted capacity-building sessions on safeguarding, gender mainstreaming, and inclusive protection practices.

At Save the Children International, I served as the Country Safeguarding Advisor, acting as the focal point for safeguarding and PSEAH across the Pakistan country office. I led investigations, trained over 100 staff and partners, developed annual safeguarding workplans, and ensured safeguarding was embedded across thematic areas such as education, child protection, WASH, health, and humanitarian aid.

In 2025, I was selected by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism (KP CVE) to conduct a conflict analysis in a post-conflict border district. I carried out primary and secondary research and developed a policy-oriented report identifying conflict drivers and offering actionable recommendations for peacebuilding.

As an international alumna of the University of Westminster from Pakistan, I was honored to be selected as a mentor for the university’s Career Mentoring Programme (2021/2022). In this role, I supported new graduates—particularly international students—in navigating their career paths and transitions with confidence.

My post-Chevening contributions also include publications and content such as Youth, Climate and Social Cohesion, Safeguarding Women Online, and Shapari’s Journey of Resilience, highlighting stories of courage and survival from marginalized communities.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/narimanbisma/

Advice to Future Applicants

To those aspiring to win a scholarship like Chevening, here’s my heartfelt advice:

• Own your story: Whether it’s about overcoming adversity or leading small-scale change, your experiences matter.
• Start early: Reflect, draft, revise; and give yourself space to grow into your best narrative.
• Be specific: Show impact, don’t just claim it. Use numbers, names, actions, and outcomes.
• Think beyond the degree: Chevening invests in future leaders. Make sure your essays show your post-study vision and how this scholarship will multiply your impact.

And above all, don’t be discouraged by competition. Many of us come from difficult and under-resourced backgrounds but we succeed because we are driven by purpose, not just ambition!