Empower The Voice

Maria Zia

"To achieve disability equality, it is mandatory to mainstream diability into development by making disabled people's concerns and experiences an integral dimension of policies and programmes at all levels"

Executive Director, National Forum of Women with Disabilities (NFWWD) | Project Officer- Inclusive Initiatives, Hashoo Foundation | Visual-Impairment Rights Advocate

Maria Zia was diagnosed with a retinal disorder at three months of age. As it was progressive, it led to a complete loss of vision by the age of 15. She continued to face discrimination in her student life, especially by being rejected by multiple universities. Supported by the late disability rights activist Saima Ammar, she enrolled in Media and Communications. She completed her degree against all odds and undertook a path in advocacy. As executive director of NFWWD, she leads the mission to ensure rights and leadership opportunities for women with disabilities. She represents NFWWD in national and international forums and guides strategies on inclusion. Through this role, NFWWD continues to grow in legislative advocacy and capacity-building programs.

While working with Hashoo Foundation, she works to build infrastructure accessibility and workplace inclusion for persons with disabilities.

key achievements

  • Participated in PUAN’s “No One Left Behind” conference in 2016
  • Invited as a speaker in UN Women press conferences advocating for greater inclusion of women with disabilities

Area of focus

  • Inclusive Education
  • Leadership and Representation
  • Policy Advocacy