Dr. Yusra Gilani is a disability rights activist and healthcare professional from Pakistan, with knowledge in assistive technology, psychosocial support, and the prevention of gender-based violence. Her work is shaped by her own experience overcoming physical illness and exclusion, which has fueled her commitment to the inclusion of women with disabilities.

Beginning as a pharmacist, she shifted to providing psychosocial support for women with disabilities facing gender-based violence. As an AT User Consultant with the National Forum of Women with Disabilities (NFWWD), she advocates for the rights and inclusion of women with disabilities nationwide.

Yusra serves on the WHO’s Technical Advisory Group on Digital Health Interventions, helping shape policies that improve access to assistive technology globally, especially for women in low- and middle-income countries. In 2023-2024, she was an Assistive Technology User Fellow with the International Disability Alliance, representing Pakistan in global disability initiatives.

She has spoken at many national and international forums, including CRID’s “Thursday Talk,” sharing stories on the impact of assistive devices. She is committed to empowering young disabled people through education and inclusion.

key achievements

• Women Peace Architect Award, Issued by Search for Common Ground, Aurat Foundation
• Khadija Tul Kubra Award, Issued by UNFPA Women’s Parliamentary Caucus
• Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities training to South Asian Countries, Issued by Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability, Disabled Peoples International Korea
• Doctor of Pharmacy, Riphah International University

Area of focus

• Assistive Technology and Policy
• Psychosocial Support
• Representation and Data Inclusion