Peshawar: LADIESFUND launched in Peshawar with a Who’s Who of Northern KPK women. LADIESFUND President Tara Uzra Dawood came from Karachi to grace the occasion, which was hosted by LADIESFUND Peshawar member Zeba Rehman (Director, Rehman Medical Institute) at the beautiful Peshawar Barracks by Shelton’s Rezidor, as a roundtable with introduction and discussion. The Barracks are owned by LADIESFUND Peshawar member Qurat Ul Ain Khan, who arranged a grand and lavish tea and hospitality for all.
Inaugural LADIESFUND Peshawar members include aforementioned Zeba Rehman (Director, Rehman Medical Institute) and Qurat Ul Ain Khan (Regional Coordinator & Director Al-Huda International Welfare Foundation), as well as Shahida Shah (Women Empowerment Professional UN Women for Women Economic Empowerment & Climate Change), Hadia Mehr (Educationist & Principle Brightside High School), Arzoo E Sahar (Advocate High Court Peshawar), Humera Riaz (Owner, The Jiggly Cake), Guloono Zahra Babar (Owner & Co Founder, Soiree PR & Events), Dr. Noor Ul Ain (Toxicology In-Charge Department of Forensic Medicine, KMU), Muzna Atif (Dentist), Sidra Hasan (Architect), Farrah Azam (President of Peshawar Floral Art Society), Farzana Ali (Journalist Bureau Chief, AAJ News Peshawar), Mehnaz Meena Gul Nasir (Headmistress, Roots Millennium Schools & Colleges Peshawar), Mehwish Mohib Kakakhel (Advocate, High Court Peshawar, Partner at Kakakhel Law Associate Advocates & Legal Consultants), Dr. Henna Karamat (TVET Expert Master Trainer & Gender Specialist), Berta “Gypsy” Klogborg (Co-Founder Pak Danish Furniture Factory), Dr. Hira Nizam (Senior Resident Surgery Rehmen Medical Institute), Dr. Sofia Haider Durrani (Associate Professor of Oral Pathology), Mahvish Ayub (Head of Monitoring & Evaluation, NIC), Sohnila Rafiq Kaka Khel (Make-up Artist), and Ambreen Atif.
“LADIESFUND is an esteemed organization dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs and key figureheads across Pakistan, which has now extended its areas of focus to include KPK, a province that is often neglected by most NGOs performing similar functions,” said Qurat Ul Ain Khan, “Through a range of initiatives including education and training programs, networking opportunities, and financial support, LADIESFUND has made significant strides in supporting women in their careers and entrepreneurial journeys; ; they are transforming real lives and driving economic growth in the region. I am deeply honored to be recognized by LADIESFUND for my achievements and to be an inaugural member of LADIESFUND Peshawar. Particular gratitude to Ms Uzra Tara Dawood in particular, who is an excellent role model for women who have the vision to make a difference in the world but are daunted by the accompanying difficulties.”
“I am deeply honored to a member of LADIESFUND, an organization dedicated to the empowerment and advancement of women. This acknowledgment not only celebrates the collective achievements of women but also inspires continued efforts toward gender equality. Together, we will drive positive change and create new opportunities for women globally. I look forward to contributing to LADIESFUND impactful mission and initiatives” said Architect Sidra Hasan, who has been flooded by friend requests from women wanting to join LADIESFUND and its growing movement in Peshawar.
“I connected with like-minded women, potential clients, and collaborators, opening doors to new opportunities. Witnessing the talent and passion of Peshawar’s women left me energized and motivated to pursue my own goals. I found a safe space to share my journey, receive guidance, and offer support to others facing similar challenges. It was more than just an event – it was very good for our growth, connection, and empowerment. I’m grateful for the experience and look forward to continuing the journey with my new network,” said Guloono Zahra Babar.
“I am thankful to Tara Uzra Dawood for introducing me to LADIESFUND which is a very unique networking platform for women empowerment. I am working for Pashtun tribal women empowerment in KP & erstwhile FATA (now called Merged Districts) since a decade, but I found LADIESFUND a different and a good opportunity to be a bridge between my work at grassroots level to global level,” said Shahida Shah.
“I wanted to express my gratitude for the wonderful event that took place,” said Arzoo E Sahar. “I found it quite empowering and delightful to have been a part of such an inspiring gathering. In today’s age and time, it is a necessity to have empowering platforms like these in order to grow and prosper as a society.”
“I am honored to be a member of LADIESFUND Peshawar, and to have been part of the organizing team of this roundtable. The event began with each delegate introducing themselves, Tara highlighted the fantastic work being done by LADIESFUND. The purpose of this round table was to celebrate the esteemed women of Peshawar and to support their efforts in helping women across KPK achieve their goals.” said Muzna Atif.
There was such a demand for LADIESFUND Peshawar, a second group of women met the next day for a LADIESFUND Peshawar Introduction and Roundtable at SOS Children’s Villages Peshawar, hosted by LADIESFUND Peshawar member Kokab Batool Qureshi (Director SOS Children’s Village Peshawar). These women included Dr. Palwasha Rauf (District Specialist Police & Services Hospital Peshawar), Zeba Masood (Founder, Lucky Animal Protection Shelter), Fatima Ali Khan (Founder & Creative Designer, BlingByFatima), Dr. Almas Fasih Khattak (Associate Director of Global Surgery & Medical Director, Northwest General Hospital, Peshawar), Dr. Faiza Javed (Registrar General Surgery Rehman Medical Institute Peshawar), Dr. Maryam Fatima (Physiotherapist). Dr. Hira Nizam returned the next day to facilitate the onboarding of these new members.
“LADIESFUND’s commitment to empowering women and fostering leadership in various fields is truly commendable. Tara Uzra Dawood, with her inspiring personality, has created a platform that not only celebrates the achievements of women but also provides them with the resources and support needed to excel,” said Dr. Almas Khattak.
“LADIESFUND gives us an opportunity for growth, recognition, and networking, which I greatly appreciate,” said Fatima Ali Khan.
Many people helped organize the genesis of LADIESFUND Peshawar including those nominating women. Special thanks to Dr. Ishrat Husain, Consul General of Pakistan to New York Amir Ahmed Atozai, Lal Majid, Souriya Anwar, M. Atif Hanif, Captain Shahbaz Nadeem, Ahmed Qazi, Shadman Khattak, Dr. Faiza Javed, Maniza Naqvi, Sadaf Khan, et al. Special thanks also to Nighat Misbah and Depilex.
This first meeting was held as a roundtable with introduction and discussion and initiatives discussed moving forward including impact philanthropic work in Peshawar, spotlighting and projection of Peshwari women achievements, work with Tribal women, opportunities for members to learn and connect, and so forth.
