Top 15 Women Rights Organizations 2025 [Working All Pakistan]

Women’s Rights Organizations organizations are very important in challenging societal norms, promoting legal reforms, and empowering women across the world.

In this article, we will explore the top 15 women’s rights organizations in Pakistan, highlighting their missions, services, achievements, and the impact they have had on women’s lives in the country.

We will discuss the following women’s rights NGOs that are actively working in Pakistan:

• National Commission on the Status of Women
• Punjab Commission on the Status of Women
• Aurat Foundation
• Shirkatgah
• Kashf Foundation
• Pakistan Women Lawyers’ Association
• Bedari
• Acid Survivors Foundation Pakistan
• ASHA Women Rights
• Sarim Burney Welfare Trust International
• Democratic Women’s Association
• Women’s Action Forum
• Tehrik-e-niswan
• Aware Girls
• WISE

Recommended Reading: Top 3 NGOs For Women’s Rights In Pakistan| Women’s Rights In Pakistan

Women Rights Organizations [Working All Pakistan] | Top 15 Women’s Rights Organizations Pakistan

What are the Women’s Rights Organizations?

Women’s rights organizations are groups that advocate for the rights and equality of women in various aspects of life, including politics, economics, education, healthcare, and social issues.

Women’s Rights organizations work towards eliminating discrimination, violence, and other barriers that hinder women’s progress and empowerment. They often engage in activities such as lobbying for policy changes, raising awareness, providing support services, and conducting research to advance women’s rights.

Recommended Reading: NGO For Women’s Rights In Karachi (Top 3) [Helpline+Address]

National Commission on the Status of Women

The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) was established as an autonomous statutory body through a presidential ordinance and the NCSW Act, of 2012.

The NCSW was established in alignment with the Government of Pakistan’s national and international commitments, such as the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action, 1995, and the National Plan of Action (NPA) for Women, 1998.

Functions and Powers of the Commission:

• Examining policies, programs, and measures taken by the Federal Government for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
• Reviewing all Federal laws, rules, and regulations affecting the status and rights of women and suggesting necessary amendments.
• Sponsoring, steering, and encouraging research to generate information for national policy and strategic action for women’s empowerment.
• Developing and maintaining interaction and dialogue with non-governmental organizations, experts, and individuals.
• Mobilizing grants from domestic and international agencies for meeting its obligations.
• Facilitating and monitoring the implementation of international instruments and obligations affecting women.
• Advocating, lobbying, building coalitions, and networking to promote women’s causes based on evidence.
• Liaising with Provincial Commissions and concerned provincial organizations.

Contact Details:

• Website: https://ncsw.gov.pk/
• Phone: 051-9216117 / 051-9216116
• Email: info.ncsw@gmail.com 
• Address: State Life Building No 5, 1st Floor China Chowk Blue Area Islamabad.

Punjab Commission on the Status of Women

The Punjab Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW) was established by the Punjab Commission on the Status of Women Act, 2014, as an oversight body to ensure that the Government of Punjab’s laws, policies, and programs promote women’s empowerment.

PCSW began operating in March 2014 and has a broad mandate, including reviewing laws, rules, policies, and programs of the government to promote gender equality and eliminate discrimination against women.

Functions:

• Examine policies, programs, and measures taken by the Government to promote gender equality.
• Review Punjab laws, rules, and regulations affecting the status and rights of women.
• Sponsor, steer, and encourage research to generate information, analysis, and studies on women and gender issues.
• Develop and maintain interaction and dialogue with NGOs, experts, and individuals at national, regional, and international levels.
• Facilitate and monitor the implementation of instruments and obligations affecting women and girls to which Pakistan is a signatory.
• Monitor mechanisms and institutional procedures for redress of violations of women’s rights and individual grievances, including inspecting jails, sub-jails, Dar-ul-Amans, Women’s Centres, or other places where women and girls are kept.

Contact Details:

• Website: https://pcsw.punjab.gov.pk/
• Phone: +92 04299268000-4
• Address: 88 Shadman II, Lahore, Pakistan

Aurat Foundation

Established in 1986 under the Societies Registration Act 1860, Aurat Foundation (AF) is a national, non-profit, non-governmental organization committed to promoting a just, democratic, and caring society in Pakistan.

Here are some key points about the Aurat Foundation:

• Aurat Foundation aims to create awareness and commitment to gender equality, where women and men are equal and can lead their lives with dignity.
• It is recognized nationally and internationally for its role in creating, facilitating, and strengthening civil society groups and networks that advocate for women’s empowerment.
• The foundation is headquartered in Islamabad, with regional offices in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, and Gilgit, as well as 37 field offices.
• It has a countrywide network of voluntary citizens’ groups and activists in 128 districts, including Citizens Action Committees (CACs), Resource Groups, Aurat Foundation Resource Centres (AF-RCs), and Information Network Centres (INCs).
• Aurat Foundation provides significant support to civil society organizations working for social change at the community level.

Contact Detail

• Website: https://www.af.org.pk/
• Phone: +92-051-2609596
• Email:  headoffice@af.org.pk
• Address: Plot No.5, Street No. 26, Said pur Market, C-III Shopping Centre, Sector G-7/1, Islamabad

Recommended Reading: NGO For Women’s Rights In Lahore (Top 3) [Helpline+Address]

Shirkatgah

Established in 1975 as a small voluntary women’s collective, Shirkat Gah was Pakistan’s first self-declared feminist organization.

Here are some key points about Shirkat Gah:

• Shirkat Gah played a crucial role in the women’s movement in Pakistan and in forming the Women’s Action Forum (WAF), an alliance that challenged the rollback and suppression of women’s rights during General Zia’s dictatorship.
• The organization opposed oppressive laws, such as the Hudood Ordinance, which curtailed women’s rights, including access to public spaces.
• Shirkat Gah currently operates in 23 districts across Pakistan, with offices in Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar, collaborating with other Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to champion gender equality and social justice.

Contact Details:

• Website: https://shirkatgah.org/
• Phone: (+92-42) 35838815
• Email: info@sgah.org.pk 
• Address: 68 Tipu Block Garden Town, Lahore, Punjab

Kashf Foundation

Kashf is a registered Non-Banking Microfinance Company regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. Established in 1996, Kashf was the first specialized microfinance institution in Pakistan, initially operating as a Grameen replicator.

Here are some key points about Kashf:

• Over the years, Kashf has established itself as a unique player in the microfinance sector, both domestically and internationally, by offering innovative products and services to low-income households, particularly women.
• Kashf’s main areas of intervention include Financial Services, Insurance and Safety Nets, Capacity Building Training, and Social Advocacy Interventions.
• Managed by a competent Management Team and guided by a diverse Board of Directors, Kashf emphasizes transparency, equity, and gender mainstreaming throughout its operations.
• With a 50% gender ratio at all staff levels, Kashf sets an example of best practices in gender diversity and leadership development.

Contact Details:

• Website: https://kashf.org/
• Phone: +92-42-111-981-981
• Email: info@kashf.org 
• Address: 1 C Shahrah Nazaria-e-Pakistan, Lahore, Pakistan

Pakistan Women Lawyers’ Association

The Pakistan Women Lawyers’ Association (PAWLA) was founded in 1980 by a group of women lawyers who recognized the lack of legal assistance available to destitute women. They also observed discriminatory laws and a general lack of awareness among women about their rights.

Here are some key points about PAWLA:

• Establishment: Founded in 1980 by a group of women lawyers who noticed the lack of legal assistance for destitute women and the discriminatory nature of laws against women.
• Objectives: PAWLA aims to work for women’s rights as human rights, provide legal aid to those in need, and raise awareness among women and men about women’s rights.
• Activities: PAWLA provides legal aid to women in need, conducts seminars, and workshops, and produces audio-visual materials to educate people about women’s rights. It also challenges discriminatory laws. Its work is organized under three major projects: legal aid/jail project, legal awareness/radio project, and law reform.
• Publications: PAWLA publishes brochures and educational materials, including drama stories, question-and-answer guides, and audio-visual content, including a radio program primarily in Urdu.

Contact Details:

• Website: http://www.pawla.sdnpk.org/
• Address: Karachi, Pakistan.

Bedari

Bedari is a national-level, non-governmental, voluntary development organization in Pakistan, focusing on promoting and protecting the human rights of women and children.

Here are some key points about Bedari:

• Establishment: Bedari began its activities in 1991 and was officially registered in 1992 under the Societies Act 1860, with registration number RS/ICT/155.
• Focus Areas: The organization is dedicated to issues of gender empowerment, addressing violence against women and children, and promoting attitudinal change.
• Achievements: Bedari is known for establishing Pakistan’s first crisis center for women survivors of violence, highlighting its commitment to supporting victims of violence.
• Expertise: Over the past 30 years, Bedari has developed significant expertise in its focus areas, contributing to the advancement of women’s and children’s rights in Pakistan.

Contact Details:

• Website: https://bedari.org.pk/
• Phone: (0300-5251717)
• Email: bedari@bedari.org.pk 
• Address: Islamabad, Pakistan-46000

Acid Survivors Foundation Pakistan

Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF) Pakistan was founded in 2006 with the support of Acid Survivors Trust International, a UK-based organization, to assist survivors of acid attacks in Pakistan.

The organization was officially registered in August 2007 under the Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies (Registration and Control) Ordinance 1961.

Key Feature:

• Mission: ASF Pakistan aims to eradicate acid violence in Pakistan and ensure the protection and enforcement of survivors’ human rights.
• Mandate: ASF Pakistan works to eliminate acid violence and gender-based violence through peaceful, democratic processes. It also focuses on empowering survivors, especially women and children, to exercise their basic human rights.
• Goals: ASF Pakistan follows a holistic approach focused on four key components:
  • Stop acid and burn violence and prevent further attacks.
  • Ensure survivors receive the best available medical treatment in the long term.
  • Ensure survivors obtain justice and exercise their fundamental rights in line with Pakistani and international laws.
  • Empower survivors to become proactive, democratic, empowered, and autonomous citizens.
• Vision: The organization envisions Pakistan as an acid and violence-free country where all individuals can fully exercise their basic human rights.

Contact Details:

• Website: https://asfpakistan.org/
• Email: info@asfpakistan.org 
• Address: Islamabad, Pakistan

ASHA

ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for 228,000 members and affiliates, including audiologists, speech-language pathologists, speech, language, and hearing scientists, audiology and speech-language pathology assistants, and students.

Vision:

Making effective communication a human right, accessible, and achievable for all.

Mission:

ASHA is a dynamic community of professionals dedicated to transforming lives. Through partnership and collaboration, ASHA advances science, fosters excellence in education and professional practice, establishes standards, and advocates for accessible and quality care for all.

Contact Details:

• Website: https://www.asha.org/
• Phone: 301-296-8580
• Address: 2200 Research Blvd., Rockville, MD 20850

Sarim Burney Welfare Trust International

Sarim Burney Welfare Trust International (SBWTI) was founded by Sarim Burney, a social activist and entrepreneur, as a non-profit trust dedicated to representing the oppressed and less privileged populations.

Mission:

• To raise awareness about basic human rights among people who lack resources to advocate for them.
• To empower women by educating them about their basic human rights, amplifying their voices, and assisting them in sharing their stories.
• To promote legal awareness by offering free legal advice and assistance on humanitarian issues, both domestically and internationally.
• To advocate for oppressed women, children, and other marginalized groups, ensuring their basic human rights are recognized and protected.
• To form alliances with networks, lobby government institutions, and non-government organizations, and work on human rights issues.
• To provide humanitarian aid to families in need without political affiliation.

Contact Details:

• Website: https://www.sarimburneytrust.org/
• Phone: (+92) 301-822-2267
• Email: contact@sarimburneytrust.org
• Address: Mezzanine Floor, Jumani Arcade, Main University Road, Block-14, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi – Pakistan.

Recommended Reading: Top 3 NGOs For Women’s Rights In Pakistan| Women’s Rights In Pakistan

Democratic Women’s Association

The Democratic Women’s Association was a pioneering political organization founded in 1950 and led by Tahira Mazhar Ali.

Led by Tahira Mazhar Ali, the organization aimed to integrate worker’s rights with women’s rights in Pakistan, marking it as the first leftist organization in the country to advocate for women’s rights.

Contact Details:

• Address: Karachi, Pakistan.

Women’s Action Forum

Women’s Action Forum (WAF) was established in Karachi in September 1981 by a group of 15 women activists.

Some of these individuals were associated with institutions like Lahore Grammar School, National College of Arts, and NGOs like Simorgh, SAHE, and Aurat Foundation.

Contact Details:

• Website: www.wafkarachi.com//
• Address: Sindh, Pakistan

Tehrik-e-Niswan

Tehrik-e-Niswan, meaning “The Women’s Movement,” was formed in 1979 by a group of women activists.

The movement’s first All Women’s Conference took place in Karachi in 1980, attracting women from various societal backgrounds, including working-class women from Lyari and Orangi, as well as representatives from different Trade and Labour Unions.

Tehrik-e-Niswan aimed to raise awareness among both men and women about the low status and position of women in society, highlighting the social, political, economic, and cultural discrimination faced by women.

Contact Details:

• Website: http://www.tehrik-e-niswan.org.pk/
• Phone: 92-333-2155736
• Email: tehrik@gmail.com
• Address: GF-3, Block 78, Sea View Apartments, DHA, Phase 5, Karachi.

Recommended Reading: Top 3 NGOs For Women’s Rights In Pakistan| Women’s Rights In Pakistan

Aware Girls

Founded in 2002, Aware Girls is a non-governmental organization based in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

The organization focuses on addressing violence and discrimination against women and young girls in Pakistan. Aware Girls advocates for women’s rights, education, and access to sexual and reproductive health resources.

Contact Details:

• Website: https://www.awaregirls.org/
• Address: Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

WISE

Women in Struggle for Empowerment (WISE) is a woman-led organization founded in 2011 to promote gender justice and women’s rights.

WISE is registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860 as a non-governmental organization dedicated to advocating for social, political, and economic rights for women, with a focus on gender, labor, governance, and human rights in Pakistan.

The vision of WISE is to create a gender-just and violence-free society where women and all individuals enjoy equity and equal rights.

The mission of WISE is to bring about societal change in favor of women through education, awareness, and building synergy among human rights groups, women, and their movements, with respectful and inclusive interventions.

Contact Details:

• Website: https://wise.pk/
• Phone: +92 42 3630 5645
• Email: info@wise.pk
• Address: Basement, Sufi Mansion, 7 – Egerton Road, Lahore, Pakistan

Recommended Reading: NGO For Women’s Rights In Lahore (Top 3) [Helpline+Address]

FAQs | Women’s Rights Organizations

If you like this article, please comment and share this article with others on Facebook, WhatsApp, or any other platform.

Have any questions or need further details? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Info@governmentschemes.pk!