All Pakistan Women's Association facts for kids
The All Pakistan Women's Association, or APWA, (Urdu: آل پاکستان ویمنز ایسوسی ایشن) is a special group in Pakistan that helps women. It's a volunteer organization, which means people work for free to make a difference. APWA wants to improve the lives of women in Pakistan. They focus on their well-being, social life, and economic opportunities.
APWA started in 1949. A brave woman named Begum Ra'ana Liaquat Ali Khan created it. She was a strong supporter of women's rights. She believed women are just as important as men. When Pakistan became a new country in 1947, many people needed help. APWA first worked to assist these people. Zaib-un-Nissa Hamidullah, Pakistan's first woman editor, was also a key leader. Zubeida Habib Rahimtoola was another dedicated member.
APWA has been very active since it began. It has offices in 56 areas across Pakistan, in both cities and villages. Every year, APWA celebrates important days like International Women's Day and UN Day. It is a charity that uses donations to fund its work.
APWA has received special awards for its efforts. In 1974, it won the UNESCO Adult Literacy Prize. Later, in 1987, it received the Peace Messenger Certificate.
After Bangladesh became a separate country in 1971, APWA's office there changed its name. It became the Bangladesh Mahila Samiti.
In 2016, APWA celebrated its 68th birthday. A special dinner was held in London to honor Begum Ra'ana Liaquat Ali Khan. Speakers at the event said her ideas inspired Pakistani women to help their country.
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What APWA Wants to Achieve
The All Pakistan Women's Association has clear goals. These goals help guide their work:
- To help Pakistani women take part in their country's growth. They want women to be informed and smart about their role.
- To make life better for Pakistani women. This includes improving their legal, political, social, and money situations.
- To support education and cultural programs across the country.
- To improve the health and well-being of people in Pakistan, both at home and in their communities.
- To encourage friendship between different countries and people.
Who APWA Works With
APWA works closely with many important groups. They have a special role with:
- The Government of Pakistan
- ECOSOC, which is the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations
APWA also stays in touch with the United Nations and its special groups. They work with them both in Pakistan and around the world.
Internationally, APWA is connected to groups like:
Within Pakistan, APWA is linked with:
- Ra'ana Craftman Colony
- APWA Cottage Industries
- Gul-e-Ra'ana Community Center
- Gul-e-Ra'ana Nusrat Industrial Home
- Women's International Art Club
- General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC)
What APWA Offers
APWA runs many helpful programs for people:
- Health services for mothers and children.
- Nutrition programs at health clinics.
- Schools for young children (Montessori) and primary education.
- Classes for adults to learn reading and writing.
- Programs for social learning and helping people in need.
- Programs about population and family planning.
- Clinics that offer Legal Aid or legal help.
- Shops that sell handicrafts and offer skill training.
- Programs for young people (adolescents).
- Pharmacies and dispensaries for medicines.
Any Pakistani woman can join APWA, no matter her background. Women from other countries are also welcome to become members.
How APWA Helps People
APWA has worked in many areas to help people. This was true both before and after Pakistan was divided into East and West Pakistan.
Social Welfare
This area includes many projects. APWA trains health volunteers and runs educational programs. They also help develop communities in cities. They have clinics and hospitals. APWA even asked for a special government department for social welfare. They have worked with many national and international welfare groups.
Education
APWA runs hundreds of primary schools and clubs for mothers. They also have secondary schools for girls in Karachi. APWA helps people learn to read and write. They always try to make schools better. APWA started the Karachi College of Home Sciences. They also helped create Home Science departments in universities in Lahore and Dacca.
Rural Development
APWA works with government programs to help villages. They have built Community Centers to support general programs in rural areas.
International Connections
APWA handles all international meetings and visits. They arrange trips for foreign guests and visitors.
Women's Rights
APWA teaches women about their rights and duties. They hold meetings and discussions. They also work to make sure laws protect women.
Other projects include giving out relief supplies, supporting cultural events, offering advice and legal help, and working with young people.
How APWA Gets Money
APWA gets money from different sources to fund its work:
- They raise money themselves through various events.
- Members pay fees to join.
- They receive grants from the government.
Where APWA is Located
APWA's main office is in Karachi, Pakistan. The leaders of the organization meet once a year to make important decisions.
APWA also has offices in other cities like Lahore and Peshawar. They even have branches in London and Sri Lanka.
