June 1, 2025 – Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan — Dawood Global Foundation proudly launched LADIESFUND Skardu, marking another milestone in its mission to champion women empowerment across Pakistan. The Skardu chapter, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the northern mountains, brought together inspiring female leaders and change-makers from across Gilgit-Baltistan in a powerful roundtable introduction and networking event.
The event welcomed passionate women from a variety of fields, unified by a shared vision: to elevate the role of women in society, recognize their contributions, and create opportunities for growth and leadership. Some of the exciting women attending included Chief Guest, Princess Skardu Nazia Batool, Bushra Rehman (Senior Civil Judge) Maryam Batool (Make-Up Artist) Dr. Sarwat Khatoon (Peadiatric Rehab Specialist) Maria Akbar (Member National Youth and Climate Change Activist) Noreen Jahan, (Scupltor) Sajeela Zaheer (Fashion Designer and Entrepreneur) Shafiqa Bano (Social Activist, Philanthropist) Zeenat Adnan (Chef) Habiba Kamal (Poet, Writer) Sumaira Kousar (Educator) Haseena Batool (Food Processor) Shafiqa Bano (Social Activist, Philanthropist) Aniqa Bano (Educator and Social Entrepreneur) Nasreen Bano (Educator) Nazia Batool (Social Worker) Diya Zehra Raziya (Media CEO, Baltistan Women TV) Hasina Haider (Founder, Amancha Guest House)
“I am very thankful to LADIESFUND. They are appreciable to give women of Gilgit Baltistan to express and show their skills to the nation and I hope LADIESFUND will support them in all aspects. Thank you so much,” said Princess Skardu Mrs. Nazia Batool, wife of Prince Skardoo and daughter of Prince Shigar, who was Chief Guest at the event. “I hope LADIESFUND will continue to support them in all aspects. Thank you so much.”
“LADIESFUND is very excited to have gathered together the most dynamic and inspiring women of GB under this platform of excellence, women supporting women, and networking,” said Tara Uzra Dawood, LADIESFUND President Dawood Global Foundation. “We cannot thank enough the key people behind the scenes who helped us make this happen and Princess Skardu for being Chief Guest and endorsing our event and work in such a powerful way.”
Senior Civil Judge Bushra Rehman, who attended the event although 9 months pregnant, added, “Gilgit-Baltistan is not only known for its real beauty and serenity; it has beauty in the form of talent, skills, beautiful souls, and brave personalities who have emerged at both national and international levels. I, being the daughter of GB, am proud of my country, and the people of my nation inspire me at every walk of life. Thank you LADIESFUND for giving us the platform to introduce, interact with each other, and to elevate the women.”
Today’s program, the first of such a type ever held Baltistan, marks a significant milestone in women empowerment and upliftment.
“I am deeply grateful to Madam Tara Uzra Dawood for organizing this event under the banner of LADIESFUND,” said Maryam Batool “Ainee,” whose Ainee’s Salon was Beauty Partner for the event. I believe this will be a new ray of hope for the hardworking, skilled, and courageous women of Baltistan. God willing, I will actively contribute to the LADIESFUND programs in the future.”
Hasina Haider expressed her joy and pride in the initiative: “I am very happy to be part of LADIESFUND and very proud of the women of Skardu and Pakistan. THANK YOU LADIESFUND.”
Chef Zeenat Adnan made a special LADIESFUND pink-themed cake for the occasion, which the Chief Guest ceremonially cut.
The Skardu launch is part of LADIESFUND’s wider commitment to supporting women leaders in remote and underserved areas of Pakistan. As with its successful chapters in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar and Multan, as well as its international chapters in Barcelona, New York City, Kuala Lumpur, Washington DC, London, and Toronto, LADIESFUND Skardu will serve as a vibrant community platform where women can collaborate, grow, and access national and international opportunities.
The roundtable included introductions, discussion of upcoming initiatives, and potential impact projects focusing on skill development, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation. The event also set the stage for future philanthropic initiatives, talent spotlights, and training workshops for tribal and local women.
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