Faiza Ahmed Malik

When I first entered the Punjab Assembly in 2002, I, like many of my fellow women parliamentarians, was new to the legislative process. It was a transformative time. Pakistan had seen a significant increase in the number of women in both the National and Provincial Assemblies due to the restoration of reserved seats. But most of us had never navigated the complex corridors of lawmaking or parliamentary procedure before.

It was during this formative phase that Aurat Foundation became an indispensable partner. For me personally, it was my first experience working with civil society, and it left a lasting impact. Among the many organizations operating at the time, Aurat Foundation stood out for its consistent, hands-on support for women legislators. Their team didn’t just advocate for women’s rights from the outside, they worked side-by-side with us within the system, equipping us with the tools, guidance, and confidence we needed to become effective lawmakers. Under the leadership of visionaries like Nigar Ahmed (co-founder and Executive Director), Shahla Zia, Mumtaz Mughal, and Nabeela Shaheen, Aurat Foundation helped guide women legislators on foundational governance issues: drafting and reviewing private members’ bills, understanding committee processes, and ensuring our voices were heard.

In Punjab, during the later part of 2012, Aurat Foundation’s Legislative Watch Program played a crucial role in consolidating multiple private domestic violence bills into a unified Domestic Violence Against Women and Children Bill, 2012, which contributed to the groundwork for later legislation such as the Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act, 2016. They also worked closely with a coalition of civil society organizations to push for progressive legislation, including the Punjab Home-Based Workers Act, 2023, and contributed to the passage of the Punjab Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, which helped protect brick kiln workers, a majority of whom are women and children. What made Aurat Foundation exceptional was its commitment not only to legislative reform but to grassroots empowerment. Through initiatives like the AAWAZ Voice and Accountability Programme, they worked with local bodies, linked community voices to policymaking, and empowered women leaders at all levels of governance. I firmly believe that strong leadership defines an organization’s potential, but equally critical is the committed workforce behind it. Aurat Foundation’s staff and network; from resident directors and program managers to legal consultants and community liaisons, worked tirelessly alongside parliamentarians to support pro-women legislation, build capacity, and foster public participation. Even under challenging political circumstances, Aurat Foundation remained resolute, working across both Houses of Parliament and at the provincial level, advocating for inclusive reforms, gender equity, and justice.
From 2002 until today, my affiliation with Aurat Foundation has been nothing short of transformative. I have learned immensely; from navigating legislative processes to understanding grassroots mobilization, I’ve witnessed firsthand how civil society and women’s leadership can influence lasting change. To Mumtaz Mughal, Nabeela Shaheen, Naeem Mirza, Mahnaz Rahman, and the countless unsung heroes behind the scenes: I extend my deepest respect and heartfelt gratitude. I am proud to have worked with, and learned from, an organization that continues to lead the way in advancing women’s rights in Pakistan.
I hope Aurat Foundation continues this vital work, now and always.