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.
APWA and the United Nations
Empowering Women Globally
Since its founding in 1949 by Begum Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan, the All PakistanWomen’s Association (APWA) has been a steadfast advocate for women’s rights, empowerment, and human dignity in Pakistan and beyond. APWA’s work has long resonated with global development and human rights goals, earning it recognition and affiliation with international bodies committed to advancing social justice.
APWA holds consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and maintains active engagement with UN agencies including UNICEF, as well as other major international women’s organizations. Through this status, APWA contributes to global dialogues on gender equality, women’s empowerment, education, health, and sustainable development, aligning its initiatives with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This consultative relationship enables APWA to participate in international forums, share expertise on grassroots realities, and advocate for policies that uplift women and children across Pakistan.
Begum Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan — A Human Rights Awardee at the UN
The legacy of APWA’s founder, Begum Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan, is deeply interwoven with its engagement at the United Nations. A visionary leader, diplomat, and advocate for women’s empowerment, Begum Ra’ana’s commitment to human rights and social progress earned her the United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights in 1978 — one of the highest global honours in the realm of human rights. Her recognition came in acknowledgment of her lifetime of service promoting the rights and welfare of women and children, the dignity of all people, and her efforts to help translate the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights into action.
Begum Ra’ana broke barriers on the world stage as the first Muslim woman delegate to the United Nations in 1952, where she represented Pakistan with distinction and helped elevate issues of women’s development and equality within international policy discussions. Her advocacy at the UN continued throughout her distinguished career as a stateswoman, diplomat, educator, and governor, reflecting her steadfast belief that women’s full participation is essential for peaceful and prosperous societies
Her pioneering spirit continues to inspire APWA’s work today — from attending global forums to integrating international standards of human rights and gender equality into grassroots programs that empower women and girls throughout Pakistan.
APWA’s Ongoing Global Engagement
Through its UN consultative status and active participation in international networks, APWA remains committed to fostering cross-border partnerships, contributing to policy debates at the United Nations, and bringing the voices of Pakistani women to global platforms. By championing women’s rights both nationally and internationally, APWA stands as a bridge between local realities and global aspirations for equality and justice.
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.
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