Pakistan held its first-ever National Summit of Women with Disabilities (WWDs) from June 29 to 30, bringing together women with disabilities from Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Punjab and Sindh. The two-day Summit, themed 'Advancing Voice, Leadership and Inclusion,' was convened by the Aawaz II Programme, funded by the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Its community component is implemented by the British Council in 37 districts of KP and Punjab, and the public sector component is implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Hosts and Collaborators
The National Summit was hosted by the British Council in collaboration with UNFPA and the National Forum of Women with Disabilities (NFWWD). The Summit drew on three years of grassroots work under Aawaz II, which since 2020 has worked across 37 districts.
Objectives and Impact
The summit aimed to amplify the voices of women with disabilities, enhance their leadership skills, and promote their inclusion in all spheres of life. According to the organizers, the event provided a platform for participants to share experiences, discuss challenges, and advocate for their rights. The Aawaz II Programme has been instrumental in empowering women with disabilities at the grassroots level, and this summit marks a significant milestone in their journey toward equality.
