Forum for Women Development & Research

24/12/2025

Moments that mattered. Voices that shaped the way forward.
Here’s a look back at highlights of our Panel Discussion on "Policy to action: Bridging gaps for UHC in Pakistan"

16/12/2025

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our distinguished guests, panelists, partners, and participants who joined us at the FWDR–White Ribbon Alliance Pakistan Annual General Meeting. Your presence, insights, and engagement made this gathering truly meaningful.

From thought-provoking discussions on bridging policy gaps for Universal Health Coverage in Pakistan to moments of shared learning and celebration, the AGM reflected the strength of collaboration and collective commitment to advancing women-centred and equitable health systems.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed their time, expertise, and support in making this event a success.

With sincere appreciation to our esteemed panelists and guests Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan (Health Services Academy), Dr. Nabeela Ali (JSIJSI), Dr. Shabina Raza Country Director (Nutrition International Pakistan), Dr. Farhana Shahid, Dr. Prof. Dr. Ume Sughra, Dr. Ayesha Babar, for their valuable time, thoughtful insights, and meaningful contributions, which greatly enriched the dialogue and made the event truly impactful.

Date: 15th December, 2025 - Monday

Venue: Islamabad Club.

16/12/2025

We are proud to share moments from the FWDR–WRAP’s 2026 Annual General Meeting, convened around a powerful panel discussion on “Policy to Action: Bridging Gaps for Universal Health Coverage in Pakistan.”

The AGM served as a platform for thoughtful exchange among policymakers, health leaders, development partners, and civil society - moving beyond conversation to collective reflection on translating policy commitments into on-ground impact for women and communities across Pakistan.

Alongside strategic dialogue, the gathering celebrated partnerships, acknowledged leadership, and reaffirmed our shared commitment to rights-based, people-centered health systems.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our distinguished panelists, governing body members, partners, and participants for shaping a meaningful and forward-looking conversation.

Panelists & Contributors:
Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan - VC, Health Services Academy (Chair)
Dr. Marium Ashraf - Manager ORIC (Moderator)
Dr. Nabeela Ali - Country Director, JSI Pakistan
Dr. Shabina Raza - Country Director, Nutrition International Pakistan
Dr. Farhana Shahid - Consultant, Gates Foundation
Dr. Umme Sughra - Associate Professor, Director Research, Al- Shifa Research Center
Dr. Ayesha Babar - Associate Professor and HOD, Al- Shifa School of Public Health.

📍 Islamabad Club
📅 15th December, 2025 - Monday

10/12/2025

✨ ✨ Forum for Women Development & Research - White Ribbon Alliance Pakistan Chapter is proud to contribute to the Population Association of Pakistan 26th Annual Population Research Conference in collaboration with NUST, Islamabad!

Join us on December 10th at 02:20 PM in NBS Lecture Hall 1, NUST Islamabad, as Ms. Javaria Nisar, Assistant National Coordinator FWDR-WRA, presents our research paper: “What Women Want in Family Planning.” This study amplifies the voices of women across Pakistan, highlighting their priorities, challenges, and actionable insights to improve family planning services nationwide.

Women spoke. We listened. Now, it’s time to act! ✨ ✨

03/12/2025

🌟 Join Us for FWDR–WRAP’s 2026 Annual General Meeting! 🌟

We are delighted to announce the 2026 Annual General Meeting of the Forum for Women Development & Research – White Ribbon Alliance Pakistan Chapter (FWDR–WRAP), featuring a high-level panel discussion on:

*“Policy to Action: Bridging Gaps for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Pakistan.”*

📍 *15 December 2025 - Monday* | *Islamabad Club*

Our distinguished panelists include:

Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, VC, HSA (Chair)
Dr. Babar Sheikh, Director ORIC, HSA (Moderator)
Dr. Nabila Ali, Country Director, JSI
Dr. Shabina Raza, Country Director, NI
Dr. Umme Sughra, Director Research, Al-Shifa Research Centre.
Dr. Ali Turab, Director, PHC Global

📅 Save the Date and join us for a powerful dialogue shaping the future of Universal Health Coverage in Pakistan. Your presence and voice matter as we move from policy to real, actionable impact.

17/11/2025

On Oct 29, 2025, Askforce members came together for the 5th quarterly meeting that brought shared purpose and renewed momentum to the work ahead. The session highlighted progress on Birth Justice Initiative, the vital leadership of midwives, and the need to enhance consortium readiness and partnership building among askforce members. Through open dialogue and collaboration, members strengthened their collective commitment to ensuring that every woman and girl can access safe, compassionate, and quality care driven by informed advocacy and strong partnerships. Let’s keep striving for an equal, healthy and just world. 🌎 ✨

07/08/2025

FWDR reaffirms its strong commitment to respectful and dignified maternity care, because every mother and every baby has the right to a safe and supportive start. 🤱🏽✨
This , we stand with mothers everywhere, recognizing that breastfeeding is not just a personal act - it’s a public health priority and a shared societal responsibility. From healthcare providers to workplaces and communities, we must all play our part in creating enabling environments where mothers feel empowered, informed, and supported.

Let’s work together to ensure that no mother is left behind.

30/07/2025

📢 On July 24th, our dedicated Askforce members convened for the 4th Askforce Meeting to review progress and chart the path forward in advancing women’s health; united in the pursuit of a more equal, just, and healthy world.

The meeting featured impactful updates from Dr. Leanne Levers (CoMotion) and vibrant participation from FWDR, WRA Tanzania, and Askforce members worldwide. The session also featured a collaborative discussion and a call for contributions to the upcoming newsletter.

Let’s keep driving change, together! 💪🌍

31/05/2025

The World Economic Forum recently concluded that closing the women’s health gap could benefit 3.9 billion women and add $1 trillion annually to the global economy by 2040; midwives are a critical yet missing part of the solution.

Building on the momentum of the widely celebrated and in honor of the International Day of Action for Women’s Health (28 May 2025), PUSH Campaign has brought together allies and partners for a virtual event to highlight the critical role that midwives play in women’s health.

🎥 Watch the full video here:
https://youtu.be/ogrE1DhrJGA

And be part of the movement — sign the PUSH pledge today: https://www.pushcampaign.org/join-the-campaign ✨💪🏽

The World Economic Forum recently concluded that closing the women’s health gap could benefit 3.9 billion women and add $ 1 trillion annually to the global e...

15/05/2025

Scaling up projects is key to lasting impact! On May 14, 2025, Forum for Women Development and Research - White Ribbon Alliance Pakistan Chapter in collaboration with Health Services Academy, held a session led by Dr Haris Ahmed on the Science of Scaling Up. The session was chaired by Dr Shahzad Ali Khan, who emphasized the need to adapt projects to changing country scenarios. Dr Haris highlighted ExpandNet/WHO frameworks and tools designed to help policymakers, program managers, and experts plan and implement sustainable scaling strategies. He stressed that successful scaling requires deliberate, systematic planning beyond technical solutions, integrating political, managerial, and organizational approaches for lasting impact.

01/05/2025

Happy Labor Day! Today, we celebrate the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of workers everywhere. Your efforts build the foundation for a better tomorrow.