APWA Foundation Day Celebration: Honoring Legacy, Empowering the Future

A Reflection on APWA’s Journey

This was the 24th Triennial Conference since APWA’s inception and it reflected on the profoundly successful journey the organization has had up till now, with its achievements in providing women the skills and resources to become independent and self-sufficient in their lives. The conference followed the theme of sustainable development goals with special emphasis on education, environment, and health. APWA has always prioritized sustainability which was also evident in their recent participation at the COP ‘29, where they engaged in discussions regarding sustainable development at an international forum. Following this theme, future projects, and initiatives were discussed that would support APWA’s mission and set the standard of sustainability in its projects. 

A Gathering of Visionaries

The event was hosted by the president of APWA herself, at the Beach Luxury Hotel on Saturday. The program began with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by the National Anthem. Then, the President, Ms. Hidayatullah addressed the audience, introducing the theme of the conference, highlighting the achievements of the previous three years, and shedding light on the aims for the years to come. The conference progressed with the introduction of APWA’s branches and their delegates. After this, the keynote speaker, Ms. Ameena Saiyid addressed the audience. Ms. Saiyid is the Former Managing Director of the Oxford Press. She expressed her gratitude for being invited to the event and discussed her experience in education, applauding APWA for its efforts in the domain. She especially emphasized the vital role of youth engagement in shaping Pakistan’s future, encouraging the attendees to keep striving for innovation and progress. 

Following the keynote speech, discussions continued around APWA’s future initiatives. Ms. Jahanara Hai, the chairperson of APWA UN Affairs played a central role in the proceedings. She introduced the chief guest of the evening, Dr. Ishrat Hussain, Former Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan who also addressed the audience and recognized the organization for its unwavering efforts in educating and empowering the women of Pakistan, especially in the less developed areas. During the conference, Ms. Yasmin Dastur, the Senior Vice President of APWA was also acknowledged for her services. She joined the organization during the 1965 war and worked as Begum Liaqut’s social voluntary secretary. Ms. Dastur stepped in as the Acting President (2016 - 2017, 2019 - 2020) for APWA during difficult times. Ms. Dastur has been instrumental in making APWA’s vision come to life. 

Expressing Gratitude and Looking Ahead

With her efforts acknowledged, Dr. Tanvir Kamal, the Executive Vice President gave a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude for the participation of everyone involved. He recognized the efforts that made this 24th Triennial Conference a meaningful and impactful event and emphasized the importance of continuing APWA’s mission, especially in sustainability, education, and economic empowerment. He acknowledged all the key figures and sponsors who continue to support APWA. The conference was brought to an end with a cake-cutting ceremony, marking the Foundation Day of the All Pakistan Women’s Association.

This conference was not only a celebration but also a testament to our commitment to an even stronger future for women in Pakistan. As we move forward, APWA continues to remain dedicated to its mission of strengthening, inspiring, and empowering. We plan on engaging our youth for future sustainable projects in improving education and health across the country. The journey ahead requires collaboration, dedication, and continuous effort. Together, we can build a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive.