World Humanitarian Day: Time to recall the efforts of Female Pakistani aid workers

Amidst crime, political instability and immorality, Pakistan, like the rest of the world, celebrates The World Humanitarian Day on August 19^th. This day is designated by the United Nations to commemorate those individuals who face danger and adversity in order to help others. It is an opportunity to celebrate the spirit that inspires humanitarian work around the globe and calls on the ordinary people to join humanitarian organizations and become active members of Humanity.

Too often than not, we get the impression that Pakistani’s all around the world are terrorists. Whilst, this might be the image of Pakistani’s around the globe, I cannot stress enough on the fact that not everyone is the same. We are all equal in the fact that we are different. We are united by the reality that all colors and cultures are distinct and individual. There are always two sides to a coin; the first side is seldom the accurate or the complete picture.

In remembrance of The World Humanitarian Day, I’ll go over a list of seven Female Aid Workers of the Pakistani descent from diverse backgroundsthat are working diligently to bring about a positive change in the Pakistani Society.

1. Bilquis Bano Edhi:

Wife of Abdul SattarEdhi, is an active philanthropist in Pakistan. She is also called The Mother of Pakistan in honor of her humanitarian work. She heads the BilquisEdhi Foundation and her charity runsseveral other humanitarian services in Pakistan, such as a hospital and emergency services.

2. Naila Alam and YasmeenDurrani:

These two Pakistani women have been recognized and honored for their humanitarian work by The White house. Their philanthropic venture is called “Express Care’ which provides daily essentials to low income individuals.

3. Parveen Saeed

Saeed is the owner of Khana Ghar, an honorable venture that provides hot meals for three rupees to low income individuals. It has become a daily support for those individuals who are unable to make ends meet.

4. Nazia Khan

Khan is recipient of the 2013 Prince Claus award that is awarded to those individuals whose efforts have made a positive impact in their societies. She has successfully managed to promote a pro-Pakistani image with her work.

5. Saba Gul

Saba Gul is founder and CEO of Popinjay, a social enterprise that empowers underprivileged girls in Pakistan by providing them with education and employment opportunities.

6. Maria Toor Pakai Wazir

Maria is a professional squash player who was born in South Waziristan. She speaks against extremism.

7. Namira Salim

She is the first Pakistani to travel into space and was officially recognized by the Pakistani government as the ‘First Pakistani Astronaut’ in 2006. She is a peace activist and was awarded Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in 2011.

This is not the end of the trail. There are countless other Pakistanis women working to promote a positive image of Pakistan. It is on this day that we recognize their contribution for a better Pakistan; Social changes are never delivered overnight. These Pakistanis from various shades of life and professions are keen for Pakistan to change for the better.