KARACHI: First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari said on Thursday that despite progress, women in Pakistan continue to face significant challenges.

Therefore, she emphasised that ensuring every girl enjoys her full rights is essential to achieving genuine freedom for women.

Speaking as the chief guest at the 40th anniversary ceremony of the Aurat Foundation, she said that the country’s history is incomplete without ackno­wledging the vital contributions of women. She commended the Aurat Foundation for its four decades of advocacy and dedication to advancing women’s rights.

She shared that every con­versation about women’s empo­werment reminds her of her mother, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhu­­tto, who championed the meaningful participation of women in all spheres of life, rather than their mere symbolic representation.

During the event, the First Lady launched a book documenting Aurat Found­ation’s 40-year struggle and unveiled a documentary highlighting its journey, including a special tribute to Benazir Bhutto for her historic role in advancing women’s rights.

Addresses ceremony marking 40th anniversary of Aurat Foundation

On the occasion, she was also honoured with a Global Peace Award.

Aurat Foundation celeb­ra­ted its 40th anniversary with a prestigious ceremony at the CM House, paying tribute to four decades of women’s struggle for democracy, peace, soc­i­al justice, and equality in Pakistan.

The event was attended among others by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, provincial ministers, MNAs, MPAs, the chief secretary, civil society representatives and leaders of Aurat Foun­dation from across the country.

The ceremony highlighted women’s struggles and achievements in democracy, peacebuilding, poverty alleviation, and climate justice, acknowledging the pivotal role played by Aurat Foundation since its establishment in 1986.

Delivering opening remarks, Aurat Foundation President Anis Haroon recalled the difficult journey of the women’s movement, stating that before February 12, 1986, women had little recognition in public life. She recalled how women were baton-charged for filing petitions for equality in the Lahore High Court, imprisoned for raising their voices, yet remained steadfast in their demands.

The chief minister announ­ced a grant of Rs50 million for Aurat Found­ation, reaffirming the Sindh government’s commitment to women’s empo­w­e­rment and gender equality.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of lifetime achievement and leadership awards to prominent individuals for their contributions to women’s rights, human rights, social services, education, journalism, law enforcement, minority rights, disability lea­d­e­rship, and community development. Awards were also presented to students for technological innovation and to Aurat Foundation workers in recognition of their dedication to organising the event.

Lifetime Achievement Awa­rds were presented to MNAs Shazia Atta Marri and Rana Ansar for political leadership, Shehnaz Wazir Ali for her lifelong struggle for women’s rights and to Justice (R) Majida Rizvi for her legal and human rights services. Rabia Malik rece­ived the Special Pers­ons Leadership Award, while Pakistani-American Nat­alia Rahim was honoured with the Community Services Award.

The Technology Innov­ation Award was presented to students of Nusrat Bhutto Univ­ersity for developing an agricultural drone. Awards were also given to journalist Maria Ismail, poet and painter Aalia Mirza, DIG Sheeba Shah for law enforcement leadership, Sister Catherine for services in women’s education, Mangla Sharma for minority rights, Advocate Asia Munir for legal support to oppressed women, Mirza Ishtiaq Baig for social services, and Advoc­ate Ghazala Kashif for local government leadership. In addition, three Aurat Foundation staff members were also recognised for their exceptional efforts in organising the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Masooma Hasan said that the dream of women’s empowerment had begun to materialise after 40 years of struggle.

She said that Aurat Foun­d­­ation now operated across Pakistan and internationally, empowering wom­en not only economically but also politically. She highlighted Sindh’s lead­ership in progressive legislation for women, inclu­ding being the first province to enact a law against domestic violence.

She paid tribute to Shaheed Benazir Bhutto for safeguarding women’s rights through her progressive vision.

The ceremony concluded with a renewed pledge to continue the struggle for gender equality, justice, and dignity, reinforcing Aurat Foundation’s role as a cornerstone of Pakis­tan’s women’s rights movement for the past four decades.

Published in Dawn, February 13th, 2026