Empower The Voice

Nagina Tahir

"Because of the presence of a sign-language interpreter, I never felt left out at meetings… I participated actively and voiced my ideas and thoughts."

Executive Director, National Forum of Women with Disabilities (NFWWD) | Sign Language Specialist | Disability Inclusion Advocate | Former Ambassador of Deaftawk

Nagina Tahir was born and raised in Rawalpindi. She began her journey advocating for disability inclusion due to her passion for education. In 2008, she started teaching sign language at the Sir Syed College for Special Children. This focus led her to join the Special Talent Exchange Program as a sign language specialist. while she was there, she participated in a disability exchange program to Oregon, where she experienced what an inclusive world looks like. Her exposure in the US inspired her to build infrastructure to be more accessible in Pakistan. After joining the NFWWD in 2013, she has led their mission to mainstream women with disabilities through inclusive dialogue.

key achievements

  • Selected to represent Pakistan in the Disability Exchange Program (US) through STEP
  • As a Sign Language Specialist, Nagina has empowered deaf women and girls nationwide
  • She has represented Pakistani women with disabilities in forums across Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and the US, sharing her journey

Area of focus

  • Sign Language Access
  • Peer-led Disability Leadership
  • Policy and Awareness