Women as Architect of Peace, Power and Progress, Rawalpindi

National Training of Trainers – NTOT, Islamabad

Established in 1986, as a national, non-profit, non-governmental organization under the Societies' Registration Act 1860, Aurat Publication and Information Service Foundation (Aurat Foundation/AF) is committed to create widespread awareness and commitment for a just, democratic and caring society in Pakistan, where women and men are recognised as equals, with the right to lead their lives with self-respect and dignity.

Over the last 40 years, Aurat Foundation has come to be recognised nationally and internationally as one of the leading institutions creating, facilitating and strengthening civil society groups and networks for promoting trust and collaboration among citizens to mobilize public pressure for women’s empowerment in the country.

Aurat Foundation has its Head Office in Islamabad, and five regional offices in the provincial capitals in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta and Gilgit, and 37 Field Offices. Further, it has a countrywide network of voluntary citizens' groups and individual activists in 166 districts in the country. These groups include Citizens Action Committees (CACs), Resource Groups and Aurat Foundation Resource Centres (AF-RCs) and Information Network Centres (INCs).

STAKEHOLDER

Women and young girls

STAKEHOLDER

Public Representatives & Legislators

STAKEHOLDER

Representatives of Political parties

STAKEHOLDER

Persons with disabilities (PWDs)

STAKEHOLDER

Transgender Individuals (TIs)

STAKEHOLDER

Religious Minorities, Individuals

STAKEHOLDER

Representatives of Shelter Homes

STAKEHOLDER

Representatives of Academia

STAKEHOLDER

Legal & Mediapersons

LIVE_DATA_STREAM

REF_ID: AF_BEN_2026

101,863,262 Community women and men trained

43,887 Women community leaders trained

3,251,420 Women and youth received grants

1,000,000 Children of poor families enrolled

101,863,262 Community women and men trained

43,887 Women community leaders trained

3,251,420 Women and youth received grants

1,000,000 Children of poor families enrolled

Aurat Foundation 40th Anniversary Since 1986

Anniversary Celebration

Her Excellency, First Lady of Pakistan, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, receiving Aurat Foundation’s Peace & Global Security Award.

Shahnaz Wazir Ali receiving Aurat Foundation's "Lifetime Achievement Award" from H.E. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari.

Justice (Retd.) Majida Razvi receiving Aurat Foundation's "Lifetime Achievement Award" from H.E. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari

Shazia Marri, MNA PPP, receiving Aurat Foundation's "Political Leadership Award" from H.E. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari

Rana Ansar, MNA MQM, receiving Aurat Foundation's "Political Leadership Award" from H.E. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari

Ghazal Kashif receiving Aurat Foundation's "Local Government Leadership Award" from H.E. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari

Mirza Ishtiaq Baig receiving Aurat Foundation's "Community Services Award" from H.E. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari.

Asiya Munir, Advocate, receiving Aurat Foundation's "Legal Community Services Award" from H.E. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari

Mangla Sharma receiving Aurat Foundation's "Minority Rights Award" from H.E. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari

Students from Begum Nusrat Bhutto Women University receiving Aurat Foundation's "Agri-Technology Award".

About the Book

Background

This compendium of Aurat Foundation's ideas, dreams and actions, marks four decades of organisation's unwavering commitment to women’s human rights, gender justice, and democratic governance in Pakistan. Titled "Milestones of Struggle and Success" it is a richly illustrated 394-page coffee table book. Through historic photographs, compelling narratives, and milestones, it chronicles our journey since 1986 — highlighting the pivotal social movements, legislative breakthroughs, and grassroots mobilizations that shaped our journey.

The book has following 10 chapters:

1) Introduction; 2) Felicitation Messages; 3) From Community Foundations to Macro-level Governance: a Journey Without End; 4) A Journey through Years in Images and Narrations; 5) Awards and Acknowledgements; 6) Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Management; 7) Global Advocacy, Networking, and Engagement; 8) Efforts for Eliminating Violence against Women and Girls; 9) Social Capital: Its Significance, Impacts and Effects and; 10) Achievements and Impact.

The book also carries felicitation messages of a large number of public representatives, Aurat Foundation's Board members, government departments, media, professionals, legal and civil society representatives, who have shared vision, common perceptions and aspirations about women's empowerment, democracy, peace, social justice and clean environment. The motto is that "no one is left behind".

DOWNLOAD FULL BOOK (PDF)

Felicitation Messages

Honouring 40 Years

Box 1: 1/11

Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar

Federal Minister of Human Rights, Member of National Assembly, PML (N)

"Pakistan’s Gender Parity Index requires concerted collaboration between government institutions and civil society organizations."

Dr. Syeda Shahida Rehmani

Secretary, Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, Member of National Assembly, PPPP

"This legacy continues to inspire our democratic and parliamentary institutions today."

Nuzhat Aamir Sadiq

Member of the National Assembly, PML (N), Former Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs

"Since 1986, the Foundation has been a transformative force in advocating for women’s rights, democratic governance."

Sherry Rehman

Member of the Senate, Senior Vice President, PPPP

"Aurat Foundation’s 40-year journey is inseparable from the story of Pakistan’s democratic and feminist struggle."

Shahnaz Wazir Ali

President SZABIST, Former Member of the National Assembly, PPPP

"AF has made Contribution to Structural Transformation of Gender Relations."

Tahira Abdullah

Member, Women’s Action Forum Human Rights, Peace and Enviroment Activist

"Proud to be among Nigar and Shahla’s initial Friends of AF since Day One - both forever with us in spirit."

Naeema Kishwar Khan

Member, National Assembly Pakistan JUI(F) Convenor Women Wing

"Aurat Foundation has opened avenues for thousands of women to organize, advocate, and claim their rights with confidence."

Rana Ansar

Member, National Assembly, MQM Ex-MPA and Ex-First Female Leader of Opposition Sindh Provincial Assembly

"عورت فاؤنڈیشن نے ایک عام عورت کو اسمبلی تک پہنچایا"

Ms. Wajiha Qamar

Minister of State, Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Member of National Assembly, PML (N)

"When we educate a girl, we empower a nation Aurat Foundation has lit this path for 40 years."

Mehnaz Rafi

Senior Politician and Women’s Rights Activist, One of the Founders of WAF

"عورتیں مضبوط ہوں گی تو ملک پاکستان مضبوط ہوگا، یہی نگار کا خواب تھا۔"

Sehar Kamran

Member of the National Assembly, PPPP Former Member of the Senate

"From the courageous advocacy to the empowerment of grassroots women leaders, your milestones inspire us all."

Box 2: 1/11

Shaista Pervaiz Malik

Member of the National Assembly, PML (N) Former Secretary, (WPC), National Assembly

"Your tireless efforts continue to inspire and uplift countless lives across Pakistan."

Zakia Shahnawaz Khan

Member of the Provincial Assembly, Punjab PML (N) Former MInister, Provincial Minister of Punjab for Population Welfare and Environment Protection

"عورت فاؤنڈیشن کی کیپیسٹی بلڈنگ کی میں خود ایک مثال ہوں۔"

Azma Bokhari

Minister for Information and Culture Punjab, PML (N)

"Aurat Foundation is the heartbeat of Women’s Unfinished Revolution for Equality."

Ghazala Gola

Deputy Speaker, Member Provincial Assembly of Balochistan, PPPP

"You have made lasting impact, especially in regions like Balochistan where challenges are immense and need for such advocacy is great."

Nilofar Bakhtiar

Former Chairperson, NCSW, Former Federal Minister of Women Development

"It’s a tribute to an enduring feminist legacy that continues to shape lives, narratives, and policies."

Tanzila Umm e Habiba

Special Assistant to Chief Minister Sindh, PPPP, Former Member of the Provincial Assembly, Sindh

"Aurat Foundation’s is a Legacy of resilience, resistance, and relentless service to the women."

Shaheena Sher Ali

Women Development Minister, Sindh Member Provincial Assembly of Sindh, PPPP

"We value our ongoing collaboration with civil society institutions like Aurat Foundation that enrich and energize our shared mission."

Nikhat Shakeel Khan

Member of the National Assembly, MQM Convenor, Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights

"Aurat Foundation’s steadfast commitment serves as an invaluable resource for democratic institutions."

Rabiya Javeri Agha

Chairperson, National Commission for Human Rights President, Administrative Service (PAS) Officers Association

"Aurat Foundation’s legacy echoes in every stride towards gender justice and human rights in Pakistan."

Rubina Khalid

Senator,Member of the Senate, PPPP Chairperson BISP

"AF is a movement that gave voice to the voiceless and strength to the silenced."

Rahila Hameed Khan Durrani

Minister of Education, Balochistan Former Speaker, Provincial Assembly of Balochistan, PML (N)

"I can personally attest to the passion, commitment, and vision that drives Aurat Foundation’s mission."

Box 3: 1/11

Justice (Retd.) Majida Rizvi

Judge, Sindh High Court, Former Chairperson, NCSW Chairperson, Sindh Human Rights Commission

"Aurat Foundation has greatly impacted the progress of women in the country."

Shazia Tehmas

Member Provincial Assembly, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, PPPP

"AF has been my partner, priend, teacher and mentor especially regarding Local Government."

Shania Khan

Social Entrepreneur & Former Minister, Caretaker Government, Quetta

"Thank you for recognizing my potential, for supporting so many women like me."

Justice (Retd.) Shahiq Usmani

Former Judge, Sindh High Court, Senior Lawyer

"Aurat Foundation worked for women inspite of inherent misogynistic tendencies in society."

Kishwar Zahra

Former Member National Assembly, MQM

"Aurat Foundation has always worked shoulder to shoulder with women parliamentarians."

Razia Sultana

President, National Women Alliance, Educationist, Activist, Rawalpindi

"My association with the Aurat Foundation has been a life-changing experience."

Dr. Kaiser Bengali

Economist, Managing Director & Social Policy Development Centre, First Head of Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), Advisor to Chief Minister Sindh, Chief Minister’s Policy Reform Unit, Member, National Finance Commission (NFC) representing Sindh and Balochistan

"Aurat Foundation is among the very few non-governmental organizations that can claim successes in terms of lasting social and political impacts."

Huma Akhtar Chughtai

Member of the National Assembly, PML (N)

"Aurat Foundation’s has invaluably contributed towards highlighting gender gaps and issues through empirical evidence."

Shehla Raza

Member of the National Assembly, PPPP Former Deputy Speaker, Provincial Assembly of Sindh

"The Foundation’s inclusive approach merits special appreciation, particularly its consistent engagement with minority women."

Kalsoom Niaz Baloch

Member of Provincial Assembly Balochistan, National Party

"Aurat Foundation has played a pivotal role in shaping my professional journey to advocate for women’s empowerment."

Faiza Ahmed Malik

Former MPA, Punjab Assembly, PPPP

"What makes Aurat Foundation exceptional is its commitment not only to legislative reform but to grassroots empowerments."

Box 4: 1/10

Dr. Rubaba Khan Buledi

Advisor to Chief Minister, Women Development Department, Balochistan

"Aurat Foundation’s work has paved the way for a more just and equitable society for all."

Shagufta Malik

Member Provincial Assembly, ANP, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

"Aurat Foundation’s support to marginalized communities is a beacon of hope for countless women."

Yasmin Lehri

Central Women Secretary, National Party, Balochistan

"Aurat Foundation has been champion of the women’s rights."

Shehwar Rahim

Former Content Head, TV One

"Aurat Foundation stands tall among organizations standing for womens rights in Pakistan."

Shahnaz Ahmed

Former Resident Director, Islamabad Aurat Foundation

"May Aurat Foundation’s efforts yield wonderful harvests."

Farah Sohail

Member of the Provincial Assembly, Sindh, MQM Chairperson Standing Committee, WDD General Secretary, Women Caucus Provincial Assembly, Sindh

"AF has inspired hope and resilience among Women."

Jamila Gillani

Central Information Secretary, National Democratic Movement

"AF stands for women’s rights, freedom, equality, and dignity."

Fauzia Shaheen

Former Chairperson, Balochistan, Commission on the Status of Women

"Aurat Foundation has greatly impacted the progress of women in the country."

Dr. Faqir Hussain

Former Registrar, Supreme Court of Pakistan, Former Secretary, Law & Justice Commission of Pakistan

"Through sustained intellectual rigour and principled advocacy, the AF has earned public trust and institutional credibility."

Mahnaz Rahman

Human Rights Activist, Senior Journalist, Former Resident Director, Karachi, Aurat Foundation

"My stay in AF marked my political turning point. I came to embrace feminism."

Box 5: 1/10

Abia Akram

CEO, National Forum of Women with Disabilities

"Aurat Foundation has set a new benchmark for participatory development and feminist leadership."

Rubina Brohi

Chairperson, Sindh Human Right Commission Former Reigonal Coordinator Sindh, AF

"Aurat Foundation’s work at the community level, crossroads, and with minority women, professionals, and marginalized groups has been truly impactful."

Catherine Gill

Member, National Group of Women Peace Activists Principal, Convent School, Karachi

"Aurat Foundation has been a powerful voice for the voiceless amplifying the struggles, hopes, and resilience of countless women and marginalized communities across the nation."

Shahbaz Khan Barozai

Coordinator, Citizen Action Committee (CAC), Sibi

"ہم نے عورت کی عزت اور قدر عورت فاؤنڈیشن کے ساتھ کام کرتے ہوئے سیکھی۔"

Advocate Ghazala Kashif

Member, National Group of Women Peace Activists Vice Chairperson Union Committee Sukkur

"The joy of being associated with the Aurat Foundation is rarely found anywhere."

Salman Abid

Public Policy Advisor, Executive Director, Idea Think Tank Jouranlist and Columnist

"میں عورت فاؤنڈیشن کی چالیس برس کی جدوجہد پر مبارکباد دیتا ہوں اور ان کی اس تحریک میں کام کرنے پر اپنے لیے بھی اعزاز سمجھتا ہوں۔"

Simi Kamal

Chairperson, Hisaar Foundation Former Cheif of Party, Gender Equity Program, Aurat Foundation

"Without doubt Aurat Foundation is one of my favorite women’s empowerment organizations and I love the dedication."

Sarah Anum

Country Head, Pakistan Fairtrade International and thematic Head Gender & Youth Asia Pacific (NAPP Fairtrade) Former Resident Director, Lahore, Aurat Foundation

"AF is not only an institution but a personal journey of struggle, resilience and hope."

Zahid Islam

Executive Director Sangat Development Foundation, Former National Cooridinator, AF

"میں برملا اعتراف کرتا ہوں کہ ڈولپمنٹ سیکٹر میں میری ابتدائی تربیت عورت فاؤنڈیشن سے منسلک ہوکرہی ہوئی"

Muhammad Ashiq Bhutta

Coordinator, Citizen Action Committee (CAC), Multan

"عورت فاؤنڈیشن نے خواتین کی مؤثر رہنمائی کی اور ہر سطح پر خواتین نشستوں پر خواتین اُمیدواروں کو ٹریننگ دیں۔"

Box 6: 1/4

Chandni Joshi

‘Enforcer’ HomeNet South Asia, Former Regional Director of United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), South Asia

"It all bagan in 1990. Hariyali Conference was the turning point, when I first met Nigar."

Mahnaz Afkhami

Founder and President Women’s Learning Partnership (WLP).

"Aurat Foundation’s commitment to women’s human rights inspired the global women’s movement."

Khushi Kabir

Head of South Asian Network, Gender Activists and Trainers (SANGAT)

"Sangat is what it is because of the inputs that it received from organisations like Aurat Foundation and its leaders."

Dr. Maheen Malik

Regional Director South Asia Programs Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK)

"Aurat Foundation is a continous inspiration for women of pakistan"

Video Hub

Inclusive Implementation of Agenda 2030

Information Material

Brochure

Working for Women's Empowerment and Democratic Governance

Read Summary

AF & Civil Society in Media

The official historical record of media publications, announcements, and news.

View All

Legislative Watch

The Quarterly Legislative Watch is a flagship publication of the Aurat Foundation.

View All

SHE - THE PEACEBUILDER

SHE-The Peacebuilder: Women's Inclusion in Transforming Violent Extremism.

View Newsletter

Policy Brief

Pakistan has ratified international treaties and commitments including GSP+ and SDGs.

View All

VAW Reports

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is a pandemic affecting 1 in 3 women.

View All

Citizen Reports

Detailed findings and observations from citizen-led monitoring and reporting initiatives.

View All

NGO Alternative Reports

Civil Society Alternative Reports providing independent perspectives on international commitments.

View All

Misc Publications

A collection of various research papers, audit reports, and topical publications.

View All

Aurat Foundation - Information Service Foundation & 40th Anniversary

Women as Architect of Peace, Power and Progress, Rawalpindi

National Training of Trainers – NTOT, Islamabad

Aurat Foundation 40th Anniversary Since 1986

Anniversary Celebration

About the Book

Background

Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar

Dr. Syeda Shahida Rehmani

Nuzhat Aamir Sadiq

Sherry Rehman

Shahnaz Wazir Ali

Tahira Abdullah

Naeema Kishwar Khan

Rana Ansar

Ms. Wajiha Qamar

Mehnaz Rafi

Sehar Kamran

Shaista Pervaiz Malik

Zakia Shahnawaz Khan

Azma Bokhari

Ghazala Gola

Nilofar Bakhtiar

Tanzila Umm e Habiba

Shaheena Sher Ali

Nikhat Shakeel Khan

Rabiya Javeri Agha

Rubina Khalid

Rahila Hameed Khan Durrani

Justice (Retd.) Majida Rizvi

Shazia Tehmas

Shania Khan

Justice (Retd.) Shahiq Usmani

Kishwar Zahra

Razia Sultana

Dr. Kaiser Bengali

Huma Akhtar Chughtai

Shehla Raza

Kalsoom Niaz Baloch

Faiza Ahmed Malik

Dr. Rubaba Khan Buledi

Shagufta Malik

Yasmin Lehri

Shehwar Rahim

Shahnaz Ahmed

Farah Sohail

Jamila Gillani

Fauzia Shaheen

Dr. Faqir Hussain

Mahnaz Rahman

Abia Akram

Rubina Brohi

Catherine Gill

Shahbaz Khan Barozai

Advocate Ghazala Kashif

Salman Abid

Simi Kamal

Sarah Anum

Zahid Islam

Muhammad Ashiq Bhutta

Chandni Joshi

Mahnaz Afkhami

Khushi Kabir

Dr. Maheen Malik

Video Hub

Information Material

Brochure

Working for Women's Empowerment and Democratic Governance

AF & Civil Society in Media

The official historical record of media publications, announcements, and news.

Legislative Watch

The Quarterly Legislative Watch is a flagship publication of the Aurat Foundation.

SHE - THE PEACEBUILDER

SHE-The Peacebuilder: Women's Inclusion in Transforming Violent Extremism.

Policy Brief

Pakistan has ratified international treaties and commitments including GSP+ and SDGs.

VAW Reports

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is a pandemic affecting 1 in 3 women.

Citizen Reports

Detailed findings and observations from citizen-led monitoring and reporting initiatives.