The National Forum of Women with Disabilities (NFWWD) was established in 2009 by women with disabilities who were determined to create a strong, collective voice for their community across Pakistan. For too long, women with disabilities had been excluded from decisions that shaped their lives; from health and education to employment, politics, and community development. NFWWD was born out of a determination to change this reality by building a platform where women with disabilities could come together, organize, and lead.
Since its founding, NFWWD has worked alongside Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs), government bodies, NGOs, and international partners to advance inclusion and equality. Our clear goal is to ensure the full and equal participation of women with disabilities in social, economic, and political life.
Through advocacy, leadership development, and capacity building, NFWWD empowers women with disabilities to claim their rights, strengthen their leadership, and take part in shaping policies and processes that affect their futures. We believe women with disabilities are not only beneficiaries of change but leaders and essential contributors to Pakistan’s progress.
We envision a just, inclusive society where women with disabilities live with dignity, respect, and equality, fully empowered to participate in all areas of life.
Our mission is to promote their full and equal participation in social, economic, and political life by advancing advocacy, leadership development, and capacity building.
We focus on women with disabilities who are often among the most marginalized, providing them with training, and a platform to advocate for their rights. Through workshops, leadership programs, and research, we aim to empower individuals and communities for lasting change.
For decades, women with disabilities in Pakistan, like other parts of the world, have faced multiple forms of discrimination. As women, they have struggled against gender inequality; as persons with disabilities, they have been excluded from education, health care, employment, and participation in public life.
Globally, more than a billion people live with some form of disability, about 15% of the world’s population. Women make up as much as three-quarters of disabled persons in developing countries, many of whom live in rural areas where barriers are greatest. In Pakistan, persons with disabilities represent roughly 10% of the population, with women and children among the most vulnerable.
It was within this context that NFWWD came together. In 2009, a small group of advocates and community members met for the first time and created a space to share personal stories that highlighted the inequalities faced by the community. A second meeting took place soon after where they took the first step towards action and identified areas of work. Since then, NFWWD has been working to promote the inclusion and rights of women with disabilities.
NFWWD is guided by a dedicated Board of founding members, led by Chief Executive Ms. Abia Akram. Our governance ensures transparency, accountability, and strong leadership.
At national and provincial levels, we work through elected coordinators serving two-year terms, creating a democratic structure that stays responsive to community needs. Coordinators link the national office with grassroots organizations, balancing regional priorities with a unified national strategy.
This participatory model amplifies the voices of women with disabilities, strengthens their ability to influence policy, and ensures our advocacy reflects real experiences. By combining visionary leadership with grassroots engagement, NFWWD builds a dynamic network that drives lasting change nationwide.
NFWWD is a national platform with elected coordinators across Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad. This inclusive network links grassroots voices to national advocacy, addressing challenges faced by women with disabilities—from rural access to urban employment. NFWWD also represents Pakistan in regional and international forums, ensuring local perspectives influence both national policy and global dialogue.
NFWWD brings together grassroots women leaders with disabilities, disabled people’s organizations, civil society, government, and international partners. We raise awareness, influence policymaking, and build the capacity of women’s and disability organizations. Our shared goal is to empower women with disabilities to claim and strengthen their rights at local, national, and international levels.