Ms. Khawar Mumtaz

Ms. Khawar Mumtaz has has been at the forefront of Pakistan’s women’s rights movement for more than three decades. A founding member of the Women’s Action Forum (WAF), she has played a central role in shaping the country’s struggle for gender equality.

She began her career teaching at the University of the Punjab before moving into development work, later becoming Chief Executive of Shirkat Gah, a research-based organization dedicated to women’s rights and social justice. Her leadership extended to the national stage, serving two consecutive terms as Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women, where she worked to influence policy and strengthen protections for women.

Her contributions have been recognized with the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civil honours, awarded for her services in advancing women’s rights. Alongside activism and leadership, she has written extensively, authoring research reports and books, including the influential Women of Pakistan: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back.