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Q&A: “If a man can run an industry, a woman can too.”
March 2, 2026
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Story
Q&A: From clinical nutrition to industry leadership
In this Q&A, a trained nutritionist shares her journey from clinical practice to industry leadership. She reflects on why large-scale food fortification matters and how women are leading change in a male-dominated industry in Pakistan.
Posted on March 5, 2026
With a background rooted in nutrition science, Narjis Rubab works at the intersection of technical innovation and public health to strengthen food fortification systems in Pakistan.
Trained as a clinical nutritionist, her career spans hospitals, the food service sector, and research and development in the edible oil industry. She’s now the Head of Technical Support and Quality Assurance at a food manufacturer based in Karachi, Pakistan. Her work within large-scale food fortification combines her technical expertise with a public health nutrition lens to help address micronutrient deficiencies. Working in a male-dominated industry, Narjis brings a strong belief in evidence-based nutrition, inclusive leadership and the value women add to both science and decision-making.
In this interview, she reflects on her path into fortification, why the work matters and what it takes for more women to succeed in the field.
How did you get involved in large-scale food fortification, and what was your tipping point?
My background is in clinical nutrition. I started my career in a hospital, where my focus was on individualized patient care—assessing nutritional needs, creating therapeutic meal plans and monitoring outcomes. Later, I transitioned into the restaurant industry, where I applied the same evidence-based nutrition principles to menu planning and food service, but at a much larger scale.
My path into large-scale food fortification really started when I was working in research and development for edible oils and fats. Initially, my work focused on improving texture, stability and flavor. Things changed when I became involved in a project to fortify edible oils with vitamins A and D. It was amazing to realize how something as simple as cooking oil, which almost every household uses, could play such a big role in tackling micronutrient deficiencies. From that point on, I became passionate about deep diving into fortification processes that keep nutrients stable throughout processing and storage. For me, it’s the perfect blend of technical innovation and public health nutrition purpose.
The industry is quite male dominated. Can you share why you wanted to do this work?
By demonstrating technical excellence, building credibility through results, and mentoring other women entering in this field, we can gradually shift perceptions and create more inclusive spaces in research and development, and industry leadership.
“Change doesn’t happen overnight, but consistent representation, confident participation in decision-making forums, and advocacy for diversity help ensure that fortification programs are both scientifically sound and socially equitable.
Change doesn’t happen overnight, but consistent representation, confident participation in decision-making forums, and advocacy for diversity help ensure that fortification programs are both scientifically sound and socially equitable. As women, we often approach problem-solving through a holistic lens, considering not only the science but also the social and cultural dimensions of nutrition.
Why should more women be hired within the industry?
Studies have shown that women often demonstrate strong commitment, reliability and long-term retention in community-based industries, which reduces turnover and improves overall productivity. Local women understand their respective communities, their food habits and cultural eating preferences. It can help create relevant strategies for food fortification programs.
Why are you a champion of large-scale food fortification?
For me, the key has been to build credibility through solid technical knowledge and work while also creating space for others, mentoring young women, encouraging open dialogue, and showing that leadership can look and sound different. Change starts with visibility, confidence and persistence.
What advice do you have for other women looking to break into this field?
Food fortification is about science, but it’s also about improving lives. Women bring a powerful balance of technical insight and empathy to that mission. Thus, any women who wants to enter in this field must start by building the technical knowledge and confidence, learning about nutrition, formulation and processing. They should also find mentors, both men and women, who can help to open doors for them.
This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
This is one piece in a series on women in the food fortification industry in Pakistan. To learn more, read the round‑up feature on women millers across Pakistan and the Q&A with Fatima Shoaib, the first female Executive Member of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA).
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