All Pakistan Women's Association
The All Pakistan Women's Association, or APWA, as it is commonly known, is a non-profit and non-political Pakistani organisation whose fundamental aim is the furtherance of the moral, social and economic welfare of the women of Pakistan.
It was founded in 1949 by Begum Ra'ana Liaquat Ali Khan, a famous activist for women’s rights, who said that the role of women is no less important than that of men.
APWA has been a very active organisation since its founding, with branches in 56 districts across Pakistan, and even in rural and urban fringe areas. 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 Bangladesh independence, the organisation in that country was renamed Bangladesh Mahila Samiti.[1]
Affiliations
APWA enjoys consultative status with the Government of Pakistan, and is internationally affiliated with many organisations, such as: General Federation of Women Club, International Alliance of Women, and PPSEAWA. On a national level, APWA is associated with:
- Ra’ana Craftman Colony
- APWA Cottage Industries
- Gul-e-Ra’ana Community Center
- Gul-e-Ra’ana Nusrat Industrial Home
- Women’s International Club
- General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC), International www.gfwc.org
Programs
APWA offers programs in:
- Mother and child health services.
- Nutrition Programmes
- Montessori/Primary Education
- Adult education/Literacy
- Social Education
- Population Planning Program
- Legal Aid.
- Skill Training.
- R H Education.
- Adolescents Programs.
References
- ↑ Nibedita Das Purkayastha (2012). "Bangladesh Mahila Samiti". In Sirajul Islam and Ahmed A. Jamal. Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Second ed.). Asiatic Society of Bangladesh.