The Pakistan Women in Leadership Network is a component of a bigger network of Australia Awards alums in South and West Asia who are committed to preserving relationships with Australia while actively promoting and supporting the growth of women.
Learn what motivates the most active Pakistani members in the Australia Awards Women in Leadership Network, as well as what they accomplish and the improvements women wish to see implemented in the nation.
1. 1. Rehana Shaikh
1.1. Gender Specialist – Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund
My heroines are the women who challenge and fight against the status quo and patriarchy, even with small actions.
Rehana Shaikh
1.2. Who inspires you?
My heroines are the women who, through small actions, challenge and fight against the status quo and patriarchy at the local, national, and international levels.
1.3. What changes do you want to drive in Pakistan?
I want to be a driving force in the creation of a peaceful and democratic Pakistan, with free speech and human rights for all.
1.4. Tell us more about you?
I am from a rural area of Sindh province and have travelled extensively throughout Pakistan. I am interested in learning about other cultures and societies, and I have worked with marginalised groups.
I am the mother of a bright and sensitive son, and I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. My interests include reading and writing.
1.5. Fields of Work
- Public Policy
- Gender and Social Development
- Education
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Social Research
1.6. Education
- Master in Chemistry, Rural Development from University of Sindh, Pakistan
- Master in Public Policy and Management from Monash University, Australia (made possible through an Australia Awards Scholarship)
1.7. Social Life – Rehana Shaikh
2. 2. Riffat Bibi
2.1. Agricultural Chemist—Soil & Water Conservation Research Institute
Among my inspirations are Khawar Mumtaz and Fouzia Saeed—the Pakistani women’s rights activists who helped implement women’s empowerment laws and legislation at a national level.
Riffat Bibi
2.2. Who inspires you?
For being strong, intelligent, and influential women in politics, good governance, and science, we salute Benazir Bhutto, Angela Merkel, and Irina Bokova.
Khawar Mumtaz and Fouzia Saeed, as Pakistani women’s rights activists, and for their contributions to the national implementation of women’s empowerment laws and legislation.
2.3. What changes do you want to drive in Pakistan?
Among the changes I want to see in Pakistan are zero hunger, rural women’s empowerment, and poverty alleviation. In terms of climate change and disaster risk management, I also work to create a peaceful and sustainable environment.
2.4. Tell us more about you?
I work to end workplace harassment and am a member of the Institute’s Women Anti-Harassment Committee at the district and provincial levels. I’ve also worked on capacity building and empowerment of rural communities (particularly women) for various agricultural practises.
In addition, I have worked in agriculture professional and farmer capacity building and as a focal point in agriculture-related projects.
I am the fourth of six siblings, and I am single and self-sufficient. I enjoy spending time with plants and growing vegetables, as well as travelling and reading scientific literature.
2.5. Fields of Work
- Researcher and advisory scientist
- Agriculture expert
- Author
- Administration
2.6. Education
- PhD dissertation from University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
- Australia Awards Short Course on Irrigation and Water Resource Management from the University of Western Australia, Australia.
2.7. Social Life – Riffat Bibi
3. 3. Sabeeh Qayyum
3.1. Business Consultant
I believe that diversity is the key to professional and personal development.
Sabeeh Qayyum
3.2. Who inspires you?
Women like my teachers, sister, and mother inspire me.
3.3. What changes do you want to drive in Pakistan?
I am passionate about developing ethical and genuine guidance and counselling in Pakistan’s educational sector. I am a firm believer in the importance of diversity in professional and personal development.
3.4. Tell us more about you?
Overall, I have 18 years of professional experience, including time spent at Ali Institute of Education, Beaconhouse School System, Bahauddin Zakariya University, British Council, and Nestle.
I played an important role in enhancing and improving the overall performance of these organisations by providing strength, support, direction, and assistance.
My academic credentials include English Literature, Business Management, and Counseling. I’ve travelled extensively around the world. I believe that a leader can accomplish anything with the help of a talented and dedicated team.
3.5. Fields of Work
- Education
- Academic and Career Counselling
- Teaching
- Mentoring
3.6. Education
- Master in Counselling from Monash University, Australia (made possible through an Australia Awards Scholarship)
3.7. Social Life – Sabeeh Qayyum
4. 4. Saman Bakhtawar
4.1. Economic Sector Specialist for the Sustainable Development Goals—UNDP
Dr Ruth Pfau’s devotion to fighting against leprosy in Pakistan amazes me.
Saman Bakhtawar
4.2. Who inspires you?
Dr Ruth Pfau is the first name that springs to mind. I’ve only ever met her once in my life. It astounds me that she spent more than 50 years of her life fighting leprosy in Pakistan. She has assisted individuals of many nationalities and religions.
It is difficult to abandon one’s own life in order to serve others, which is why she is also regarded as Pakistan’s Mother Teresa.
4.3. What changes do you want to drive in Pakistan?
I pray that poverty and terrorism will be eradicated in Pakistan and that peace will reign supreme. I also hope that we can all learn to appreciate each other’s points of view, even if they differ from our own.
I see a Pakistan in which differing viewpoints are tolerated and free expression is guaranteed to all citizens.
4.4. Tell us more about you?
I’ve been happily married since 2010, and I’m the mother of two wonderful sons. My interests include watching television and listening to music. I also enjoy travelling and discovering new locations.
4.5. Fields of Work
- Administration
- Leadership
- Research
4.6. Education
- Master of Development Studies from the University of Melbourne, Australia (made possible through an Australia Awards Scholarship)
- Master of Business Administration and Master in International Relations from the University of Balochistan, Pakistan.
4.7. Social Life – Saman Bakhtawar
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