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Empowering the women of Gilgit-Baltistan

By  You Desk
24 June, 2025

Recently, Skardu hosted such a moment. A roundtable gathering by LadiesFund brought together women from across Gilgit-Baltistan - judges, educators, artists, social workers, doctors, chefs, and entrepreneurs....

Farida, Iffat, Nazia, Tara & Aquila
Farida, Iffat, Nazia, Tara & Aquila

women

In places often overlooked or underrepresented, women continue to lead change through community work, creative enterprise, and service to others. These efforts rarely make headlines, but when women from different walks of life come together, they offer a powerful reminder of the influence they already hold, and the impact they can build collectively.

Recently, Skardu hosted such a moment. A roundtable gathering by LadiesFund brought together women from across Gilgit-Baltistan - judges, educators, artists, social workers, doctors, chefs, and entrepreneurs. Set against the stark beauty of the northern mountains, the event was part of a wider initiative by Dawood Global Foundation to foster connection and collaboration among women across Pakistan.

Among the many attending was Princess Nazia Batool of Skardu, who served as the event’s Chief Guest. “I am very thankful to the organisation. They are appreciable to give women of Gilgit Baltistan to express and show their skills to the nation and I hope LadiesFund will support them in all aspects,” she said.

Empowering the women of Gilgit-Baltistan

Also present was Senior Civil Judge Bushra Rehman. “Gilgit-Baltistan is not only known for its real beauty and serenity; it has beauty in the form of talent, skills, beautiful souls, and brave personalities who have emerged at both national and international levels,” she shared. “I, being the daughter of GB, am proud of my country, and the people of my nation inspire me at every walk of life.”

The roundtable included introductions, a discussion of upcoming initiatives, and conversations around future projects focused on skill development, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation.

Chef Zeenat Adnan made a pink-themed cake for the occasion, which was ceremonially cut by the Princess. “I am very happy to be part of this and very proud of the women of Skardu and Pakistan,” said Hasina Haider, founder of Amancha Guest House.

For many, the event offered not just visibility, but a chance to build networks. As summed up by Maryam Batool, whose salon was a beauty partner, “I believe this will be a new ray of hope for the hardworking, skilled, and courageous women of Baltistan.”

- You! desk