All Pakistan Women's Association facts for kids
The All Pakistan Women's Association, also known as APWA, is a special group in Pakistan. It's run by volunteers and doesn't aim to make money or be involved in politics. Its main goal is to help improve the lives of women of Pakistan. This includes their well-being, social standing, and economic opportunities.
APWA was started in 1949 by Begum Ra'ana Liaquat Ali Khan. She was a well-known champion for women's rights. Begum Ra'ana believed that women's roles are just as important as men's. When Pakistan became independent in 1947, many people needed help. APWA first began by helping these people, especially those who had to move from their homes. Important leaders like Zaib-un-Nissa Hamidullah, Pakistan's first woman editor, and Zubeida Habib Rahimtoola were also dedicated members of APWA.
APWA has been very active since it started. It has offices in many cities and even in smaller towns across Pakistan. The group celebrates important days each year, like International Women's Day and UN Day. APWA is a charity and uses donations to fund its important 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 to 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 shared how her ideas inspired Pakistani women to make positive changes in their country.
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What APWA Aims To Do
The All Pakistan Women's Association has clear goals to help women and society. Here are some of their main aims:
- To help Pakistani women take part in their country's growth.
- To improve the lives of Pakistani women. This includes their legal, political, social, and money situations.
- To support education and cultural activities across the country.
- To improve the health and well-being of people in their homes and communities.
- To encourage friendship and understanding between people worldwide.
Who APWA Works With
APWA works closely with many important groups and governments.
National and International Connections
APWA has a special advisory role with the Government of Pakistan. It also works with the ECOSOC, which is the economic and social council of the United Nations. APWA stays in touch with the United Nations and its agencies both in Pakistan and other countries.
Other Groups APWA Joins With
APWA is connected to many groups around the world, such as:
Within Pakistan, APWA also works 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
APWA's Programs
APWA offers many programs to help people in different ways:
- Health Services: They provide care for mothers and children.
- Nutrition: Programs at health clinics help people eat healthy.
- Education: APWA runs Montessori and primary schools. They also offer classes for adults to learn to read and write.
- Social Help: They do social work and offer social education to those in need.
- Family Planning: Programs help families plan for their future.
- Legal Help: Clinics offer advice and help with legal issues.
- Skill Training: They teach skills and sell handicrafts made by women.
- Youth Programs: Special activities are available for teenagers.
- Pharmacies: They run pharmacies and dispensaries.
Any Pakistani woman can become a member of APWA, no matter their background. Women from other countries are also welcome to join.
APWA's Projects
APWA has worked on many projects over the years. Here are some key areas:
- Social Welfare: This includes training health volunteers and running educational programs. They also set up clinics and hospitals. APWA even asked for a special government department for social welfare.
- Education: APWA runs many primary schools and clubs for mothers. They also have secondary schools for girls in Karachi. They always try to improve schools and encourage people to learn. APWA helped create the Karachi College of Home Sciences.
- Rural Development: APWA works with government programs to help villages. They have set up community centers to improve life in rural areas.
- International Work: APWA helps with international meetings and welcomes foreign visitors.
- Women's Rights: APWA teaches women about their rights and duties. They hold meetings and work to make laws that help women.
Other projects include giving out relief supplies, promoting culture, offering legal advice, and working with young people.
How APWA Gets Money
APWA gets money from a few sources to do its work:
- They raise money through their own events.
- Members pay fees to join.
- They receive grants from the government.
APWA Headquarters
APWA's main office is in Karachi, Pakistan. The leaders of the group meet there every year to make important decisions. APWA also has offices in other cities like Lahore, Peshawar, London, and Sri Lanka.
