About Us

Empowering Communities, Advancing Equality, and Building Resilience

The Women Welfare Organization (WWO) is a women-led, non-profit, humanitarian and development organization, founded in 1994 by a group of visionary women in Saracha village, District Poonch, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK). What began as a small community movement for clean water, health, and education has evolved into a national organization recognized for its leadership in gender equality, protection, education, and climate resilience.

For over three decades, WWO has worked to empower women and vulnerable groups, ensuring their participation in decision-making and community-led development. The organization operates across AJK, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with a head office in Rawalakot and a liaison office in Islamabad, serving as a bridge between grassroots realities and national-level advocacy.

Mission

The Women Welfare Organization (WWO) is committed to empowering women, youth, and marginalized communities (women with disabilities, minorities, youth etc) through inclusive, rights-based, and sustainable development. WWO strives to promote gender equality, social justice, and access to education, health, and economic opportunities ensuring that every individual, especially women and girls, can live with dignity, safety, and self-reliance.

Vision

A just, inclusive, safe, and gender-equal society where women, girls, and persons with disabilities are empowered to lead change, exercise their rights, and contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s social and economic development

Values

1) Equity & Inclusion
2) Community Ownership
3) Transparency & Accountability
4) Women’s Leadership
5) Sustainable Impact
6) Collaboration & Partnerships

Our History

From a Village Initiative to a National Voice

1994-1999

Foundations of Women-Led Development

Founded in 1994 by Late Syeda Najma Shakoor and women of Village Saracha, AJK, WWO began as a grassroots initiative addressing local development needs. The organization formalized its registration, implemented its first drinking water scheme, established a Mother & Child Care Centre, and expanded across districts while strengthening women-led community structures.

2000–2004

Institutional Growth and Community Empowerment

WWO established its formal office and strengthened operational systems while expanding water supply and livelihood initiatives. Social mobilization, microcredit, and enterprise development programs reinforced community participation and economic empowerment, particularly for women.

2009–2005

Frontline Humanitarian Response and Capacity Building

In 2005, WWO responded to the devastating earthquake as one of the only local frontline organizations. This period strengthened its humanitarian capacity while advancing research, technical engagement, and community-based resilience approaches.

2010–2014

Structured Humanitarian Engagement and Expansion

WWO deepened its humanitarian role through emergency and disaster response initiatives, strengthening protection mechanisms and expanding its operational presence. Community-centered response systems became more organized and institutionally grounded.

2019–2015

National Outreach, Inclusion, and Advocacy

The organization expanded its national footprint and intensified advocacy efforts, promoting women’s leadership, civic participation, and inclusive development. Integrated livelihood programming and cross-provincial engagement strengthened long-term community resilience.

2020–2024

Safeguarding, Inclusion, and Institutional Strengthening

The Najma Shakoor Charity Fund was established in 2020 and has been progressively formalized to support vulnerable communities. WWO reinforced protection systems, inclusion-focused programming, and women-led humanitarian action while strengthening institutional frameworks.

Present-2025

Climate Resilience and Women-Led Humanitarian Leadership

WWO continues to strengthen humanitarian response mechanisms while integrating climate-responsive and planetary resilience approaches into its programs. Today, the organization advances women-led leadership across protection, livelihoods, and sustainable community development at 22 district and national levels.

Our Mission

To empower women, children, and marginalized communities through rights-based programs in education, protection, livelihoods, health, and climate resilience.

Our Vision

“A just, inclusive, and resilient society where mothers, sisters, and daughters live with dignity, equality, and opportunity.”

WWO envisions communities where every woman and girl is safe, empowered, and able to reach her full potential — contributing meaningfully to peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.

CEO’s Message

As Women Welfare Organization (WWO) marks over three decades of community service, I extend heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated members, volunteers, and partners who continue to strengthen our mission. Inspired by the vision of our founder, Syeda Najma Shakur (Late), WWO has grown from a grassroots initiative into a trusted women-led organization advancing women’s empowerment, education, livelihoods, climate resilience, health, and protection for vulnerable communities across Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Through initiatives such as the Najma Shakur Charity Fund, we continue to uplift vulnerable families, expand opportunities for women and girls, and strengthen community resilience. Our commitment remains steadfast—to build an inclusive and equitable society where women lead change and communities thrive.<

Syeda Aniqa Shakur
Chief Executive Officer
Women Welfare Organization (WWO)

Our Approaches

WWO’s programs are grounded in equity, accountability, and community ownership, contributing directly to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Education

Education and life skills Mother and child Health Water and Hygiene

Economy

Agriculture Value Chain & Food security, Economic Development Community Physical Infrastructure

Life

Life saving and resilience, Natural Environment and Climate Change Disaster Management

Justice

Gender Justice Campaigns for Social Justice Disability

Partners & Collaborations

We proudly work with national and international partners including:

About us