Executive Summary

Since 2004 Women Development Foundation Pakistan has been engaged for women empowerment, youth empowerment and gender equality with focus on vulnerable segments of the society i.e., real challenge and need extra steps to bring them in mainstream.

WDFP has developed number of programs and conducted numerous events by and for women for accomplishment of its mission “to empower women and able to impart their skills for the development of the society by large”.

In the year 2019 WDFP initiated number of projects for peace and harmony, rights and responsibilities, skills and prosperity, linkages and strengthens; even community engagements in the recognition of role of women in community development, which ultimately feeds for nation development. Without recognizing women role, their efforts, struggle and scarification; we may not achieve our goals and reach to the destination. It is a common fact that attitude played vital role to achieve goals and objectives, therefore, WDFP works with family members and due engaged men with confidence, as the result, projects have been very successful and created impacts. WDFP’s growth is tied with its culture; continuous improvement and to achieve goals it needs to do small efforts to progress profoundly.

Women also have right to spend their life freely like others. In 2016 WDFP introduced Ladies Dhaba in Maripur area to provide a secure space where women can share and discuss their issues. The main purpose of this Dhaba is to bring change in communities by giving women mentally relaxation and to end the feeling of depression and helplessness which mostly women feel at their homes. When women feel change in their lives then this change will bring peace in their families and society. This concept resulted as a great impact on their minds and now women visit this place frequently. In 3 years, Ladies Dhaba brought positive changes in communities for women empowerment.

Youth Programs such as Azme Naujawan and Nawabad Youth Center empowered youth by providing training sessions in Maripur, Saeedabad and Lyari. After trainings, youth groups implemented Social Action Projects in nearby different areas and spread positive messages in communities.

Since 2015 Women Skill Development Center-WSDC (Project of Women Development Foundation Pakistan) is facilitating the young girls from low income families of Kemari Town to enhance their professional skills. This Project is being run with the support of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Human Resource Research and Development Board-BBSHRRDB which aims to strengthen the abilities of youth (Girls) so they could encounter their challenge of employability.

In January 2019, DAI introduces Community Peace Baithak in Maripur area of Karachi. The main objective of the project was to sensitize community members aged above 35 about the basic rights and create peace and harmony among the people of the area. Team has engaged 2,372 community members including men and women in 63 different activities and events. Renowned speakers were invited from various organizations to conduct sessions on various topics and events were organized to deliver positive messages.

Volunteers are main inspiring force to development work for vulnerable and destitute people, therefore in recognition of their work International Volunteers Day celebrated on December 5 and shields and certificates were awarded to distinguish volunteers who work day and night for the social causes.

I am thankful to Board of Directors for their guidelines and trust to lead and manage WDFP programs independently as per the mission. I never forget to appreciate immense support of my staff to complete projects in time with dedication. I applauded the role of donors and supporters, especially institutions such as DAI, JICA, TDEA, BBSHRRDB and last but not the least Media support. All these institutions contributed significantly in the progress of WDFP and community development process.