International Women’s Day: Strength in Unity, Power in Progress
Today as we mark International Women’s Day, we commemorate the unwavering efforts of our founders in laying down the bricks for change in the society and actively calling for the empowerment of our women.
The All Pakistan Women’s Association was formed on sacrifice, and Begum Rana Liaqat Ali, the visionary founder, led this organization with a strong vision and persistent dedication. She believed that “No nation can rise unless its women stand alongside men, empowered with knowledge, health, and opportunity.” This belief led her to work for each and every girl in Pakistan to ensure that no child is deprived of learning, no mother is deprived of healthcare, and no woman is held back from reaching her full potential.
Begum Rana founded APWA in 1949 and since then, earned many national and international awards for her work as an activist and a philanthropist. As the First Lady, she championed many reforms for women’s and children’s development such as, establishing the Pakistan Women’s National Guard and the Women’s Naval Reserves. Her reforms reinforced her belief that women are no less in any field. In 1960 she persuaded President Ayub Khan to pass the Family Law, protecting women. She not only led mobilized many Muslim women and led initiatives post-partition but also established numerous organizations that provided education, healthcare and economic opportunities to women. The work done by Begum Rana is instrumental in bringing this organization where it is now and establishing the concept of women empowerment in the newly established state that was Pakistan.
Now, APWA has managed to reach many heights and continues to soar under the guidance of Ms. Yasmin Dastur and many other phenomenal leaders. APWA has not only been able to establish numerous educational centers and health clinics around the country but has also set-up multi project centers. Moreover, we provide legal advocacy and consultancy to women, helping them stand on their own.
APWA stays steadfast in its mission, aiming to establish more sustainable centers and opportunities to promote the social progress of females. This Women’s Day, we celebrate all the women who have been a part of this organization, whether by leading it or by supporting our cause. With all this support and dedication, we look forward to a more equitable future for females in Pakistan.