Khurshid Bano, co-founder of women-led organization Da Hawa Lur, is a dedicated female committed to combating gender discrimination and violence against women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Her organization provides crucial support to women facing violence, offering free legal, psychological, and capacity-building services, especially to those displaced by conflict in Pakistan. Her activism extends beyond Da Hawwa Lur as she is also a key member of the Pakistan Alliance against Sexual Harassment, actively working on the implementation, drafting, and lobbying for laws against sexual harassment.
Khurshid Bano has been a committed advocate for women’s rights since 1986. During her tenure as a technical supervisor for the government of KP, she made history by becoming the first female union leader elected in KP in 1988. Her election as a union official was driven by a strong commitment to improving the conditions of marginalized groups, particularly women. By 1994, she had ascended to the role of General Secretary of the women’s wing of the Pakistan Workers Federation in KP, furthering her impact on the labour rights movement. In her continuous efforts to empower women,
Khurshid also launched the first KP Working Women Union. This union addresses the challenges faced by women across various professions, advocating for issues such as equal pay, workplace harassment prevention, safety, security, and health. Additionally, her peace-building initiatives have trained 500 individuals through the ‘Peace by Peace’ campaign, equipping grassroots communities with the knowledge and skills to contribute to a more peaceful Pakistan. Khurshid Bano’s relentless dedication has significantly advanced the cause of women’s rights and empowerment in KP and beyond.
CAPTAIN HUSSAIN JAHANGIR – Shaheed Pak Army Officer
December 9, 2024
