The All Pakistan Women's Association, or APWA, (ur|آل پاکستان ویمنز ایسوسی ایشن) as it is commonly known, is a voluntary, non-profit and non-political Pakistani organisation whose fundamental aim is the promotion of moral, social and economic welfare of the women of Pakistan.[1]
APWA was founded in 1949 by Begum Ra'ana Liaquat Ali Khan, a famous activist for women's rights, who had said that the role of women is no less important than that of men. Initially APWA was formed to handle the refugee crisis in the newly independent Pakistan after the 1947 partition of British India.[2] Zaib-un-Nissa Hamidullah, Pakistan's first woman editor and publisher, was one of APWA's many prominent leaders and Zubeida Habib Rahimtoola was a dedicated member of the association.
APWA has been a very active organisation since its founding, with branches in 56 districts across Pakistan, and even in rural and urban areas.[1] It celebrates major events such as International Women's Day, UN Day and UNICEF Day annually, and is a charity organisation which relies on donations to fund its work.
APWA received the UNESCO Adult Literacy Prize in 1974 and later the Peace Messenger Certificate in 1987.
After the secession of East Pakistan as Bangladesh in 1971, the organisation's branch in Dacca was renamed as Bangladesh Mahila Samiti.[3]
In 2016, at the 68th anniversary of APWA's founding, an annual dinner at the High Commission of Pakistan, London was held to pay tribute to the APWA founder, Begum Ra'ana Liaquat Ali Khan. A speaker at the event said that Begum's vision motivated Pakistani women to contribute positively to Pakistani society.[2]
The aims and objectives of the All Pakistan Women's Association are briefly stated as follows:
APWA enjoys consultative status with the:
The APWA also keeps close touch with U.N. and its specialized agencies at home and abroad.
It is internationally affiliated with many organizations, such as:
On a national level, APWA is associated with:
APWA offers programs in:
Memberships are open to and provided to Pakistani women regardless of their caste, creed, or colour. Non-Pakistani women are also welcome and eligible for memberships.
APWA, before and after the partition of east and west Pakistan, covered the following fields:
Other projects include the distribution of relief materials, cultural affairs, advice & legal assistance, publicity, and youth work.
APWA receives funds from:
APWA Headquarters are located in Karachi, Pakistan. The governing body meets annually to make its principal policies.
Branches are also located in Lahore, Peshawar, London and Sri Lanka.