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ABOUT
APWA

All Pakistan Women's Association (APWA) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to advancing the welfare of women and children in Pakistan. Founded in 1948, APWA has pioneered the women’s movement in Pakistan and is the country’s oldest NGO. Our mission is to empower women and children through a range of projects in areas such as health, education, and livelihoods. We are committed to promoting gender equality and advocating for the rights of vulnerable and underprivileged populations.

MISSION & HISTORY.

Begum Liaquat, once a Professor of Economics, advocated integrated development. To encourage female literacy, she popularized the phrase “You educate a woman, you educate a family” and formulated APWA’s creed, health, education and training. APWA, her lifelong commitment, was affiliated with international agencies and set up multi-project centers for women throughout Pakistan with schools, dispensaries, and maternity homes, family planning clinics, in urban and rural areas. Institutions for higher education included he APWA College for Women, Lahore, the College of Science and Arts, Karachi and the College of Home Economics, Dacca.

APWA addressed income generating schemes through the Gul-e-Ra’ana Nusrat Industrial Home, the APWA’s Cottage Industries shop and a Craftsmen Colony in Karachi. APWA has worked towards the legal, political and fundamental rights of women. In 1961 APWA was instrumental in passing the Family Laws Ordinance which introduced the registration of marriage, a minimum marriage age, regularize divorce procedures and the inheritance laws for orphans. Over the years, APWA has introduced programs in Rural Development, environment, technical training and the awareness of HIV, AIDS and drug abuse, among others and was extensively engaged in the 2006 earthquake relief effort. APWA holds consultative status with the UN (Category B) and the Government of Pakistan.

APWA's
ACHIEVEMENTS.

INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATES

International Affiliates are global and regional women’s organizations with which APWA maintains active collaboration. These organizations work on issues such as women’s rights, gender equality, leadership development, education, and social advocacy at international forums. By engaging with bodies like the International Council of Women (ICW), Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW), International Alliance of Women (IAW), General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC, U.S.), Pan Pacific and South East Asia Women’s Association (PPSEAWA), and the National Council of Women (NCW), APWA contributes to global initiatives, shares best practices, and strengthens its capacity to promote women’s empowerment both nationally and internationally.