In an industry often defined by numbers, titles and technical expertise, She Counts is redefining what success looks like for women in finance—by placing connection, confidence and community at the heart of the conversation.
Founded in late 2023 by Balpreet Dabb-Johal, Lata Loungani and Alia Saleh, She Counts was created to address a clear gap within the profession. While women across finance, accounting, tax, audit, FP&A, treasury and leadership roles continue to excel, many lack access to safe, inclusive spaces where they can openly discuss real career challenges, pivotal decisions and personal growth. What began as a grassroots initiative has since evolved into a strong and engaged women-in-finance community across the UAE.
With a presence spanning Dubai and Abu Dhabi, She Counts focuses on meaningful connection, confidence-building and honest career conversations that go beyond theory, titles and surface-level networking.
Over the past two years, She Counts has hosted a series of sold-out and well-attended events, including:
Breaking the Glass Ceiling roundtable discussions
CPD-accredited technical sessions
Career and confidence-focused workshops
Community-led networking events designed to be intentional rather than transactional
These initiatives have helped foster a loyal and engaged community of over 1,000 followers, supported by an active core group that consistently participates in events and ongoing discussions.
The Upcoming Event: She Counts – The Collective Chapter
The next milestone for the community is She Counts – The Collective Chapter, taking place on Sunday, 15th February 2026.
This upcoming event is centred on reflection, decision-making and growth, exploring how women navigate pivotal career and leadership moments. Designed to be both thoughtful and practical, the session will encourage attendees to pause, reflect and gain clarity as they prepare for the next phase of their professional journey.
True to the She Counts ethos, the event prioritises meaningful conversation, lived experience and community impact over surface-level networking. Attendees can expect honest dialogue, shared insights and actionable takeaways that build confidence and momentum long after the event concludes.
Adding to its significance, Ladylead Magazine will join as the main media partner, amplifying the voices, stories and impact of the She Counts community. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to elevating women’s leadership and visibility within finance and beyond.
A Purpose-Driven Mission
At its core, the mission of She Counts remains clear and intentional:
To increase visibility, confidence and opportunity only for women in finance
To create spaces where honest, meaningful conversations can take place
To bridge the gap between technical excellence and personal leadership growth
To build a long-term, values-driven community, not one-off events
As She Counts continues to grow, its impact is measured not only by attendance numbers, but by the confidence built, the connections formed and the careers shaped. Through initiatives like The Collective Chapter, She Counts is proving that when women are supported holistically, the future of finance becomes stronger, more inclusive and more human
Get Your Tickets Here: https://nas.io/she-counts-community/events/the-collective-chapter
