It’s that time of the year again when WOW360 celebrates WOW360 Trailblazers; women who have made significant contributions across diverse fields, breaking barriers and reshaping narratives.
WOW360 Trailblazers includes figures such as Dr. Mahrang Baloch, named to Time’s “2024 Time100 Next” list for her advocacy of Baloch rights, and Amna Baloch, who made history as the country’s second-ever female foreign secretary, stand as pillars of strength and leadership.
Sara Mansoor, the first Pakistani woman to earn the ITF Level-3 coaching certification, and Atiqa Mir, who became the first female racer to win the Rotax Challenge International Trophy, exemplify the unyielding spirit of women in sports.
Meanwhile, Bano Butt and Eman Khan’s gold medal victories at the MMA Asian Championship further cement the growing influence of women in combat sports. These exceptional women are not only breaking boundaries but also inspiring future generations of young girls to pursue their dreams with determination and resilience.
Join us in honoring the trailblazing women who have embodied resilience and paved a better, brighter, and inclusive future for women in Pakistan.
Activism, Human Rights, and Social Impact
Alizey Khan
Alizey Khan, a remarkable individual dedicated to creating positive change, has been honored with the Diana Legacy Award. This award, established in memory of Princess Diana’s enduring legacy of humanitarian work, recognizes young leaders who demonstrate exceptional dedication to serving their communities and inspiring others.
Alizey’s journey is one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to social impact. Despite facing numerous challenges, she has consistently advocated for marginalized communities and championed causes close to her heart. Her work reflects Princess Diana’s belief in the power of kindness and empathy to transform lives. One of Alizey’s most significant achievements is her spearheading initiatives to support women returning to the workforce after a career break.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by these individuals, Alizey has worked tirelessly to create programs and resources that facilitate their reintegration into the professional world. Alizey has helped countless women regain confidence, acquire new skills, and pursue fulfilling careers through her efforts. Her work has not only empowered individuals but has also contributed to building more inclusive and diverse workplaces.
Dr. Mahrang Baloch
Dr. Mahrang Baloch, leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, has been named to Time’s 2024 “Time100 Next” list for her peaceful advocacy of Baloch rights, particularly her role in a December 2023 march to Islamabad demanding justice for missing persons. This possibly makes her one of the first Baloch women to be featured in Times. Mahrang first rose to prominence in 2009 after her father, Ghaffar Longove, went missing, prompting her to lead protests for his return; his body was found in 2011.
This recognition highlights her dedication to human rights and social justice, as she continues to advocate for Baloch women and families affected by enforced disappearances. Other notable figures on the list include student leader Nahid Islam from Bangladesh and Gaza-based food blogger Hamada Shaqoura, both recognized for their activism in times of political unrest.
Beauty & Fashion
Logina Salah
Logina Salah made history at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant by becoming the first Egyptian to reach the top 30 and the first contestant with vitiligo, challenging traditional beauty standards and promoting inclusivity. Representing Egypt, she used her platform to advocate for self-acceptance, a world free from discrimination, and the importance of embracing uniqueness.
Salah, with 1.8 million Instagram followers, inspired millions by emphasizing the power of resilience and positivity. Beyond the pageant, she founded the Beyond The Surface Movement, which promotes inclusivity, women’s empowerment, and vitiligo awareness. Her journey symbolizes the breaking of societal beauty norms and stands as a beacon of empowerment and advocacy for self-love and acceptance.
Business
Shaista Asif
Shaista Asif, a prominent name in the healthcare and business sectors, has made Pakistan proud by being recognized among Forbes’ Top 20 CEOs in the Middle East for 2024. Asif has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to innovation, positioning her as a leading figure in the region’s business landscape.
Shaista Asif has played a pivotal role in transforming Pure Health into one of the most significant integrated healthcare solutions providers in the Middle East. Under her leadership, the company has expanded its portfolio, providing cutting-edge healthcare services, laboratory solutions, and supply chain management to meet the growing needs of the region’s population.
Her leadership was particularly instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic when Pure Health emerged as a crucial player in supporting the UAE’s response to the crisis. The company provided critical testing, vaccination, and healthcare services, ensuring that the healthcare system remained resilient under unprecedented pressure.
WOW360 Trailblazers in Education
Naseema Kapadia
Naseema Kapadia, an educationist for over 43 years, joined St. Joseph’s Convent High School in 1980, became Headmistress of the Cambridge Section in 2010, and retired in 2023, leaving a lasting impact with her progressive mindset and problem-solving skills.
A Trailblazer in the Field of Computer Education in Pakistani Schools: Notable Achievements
Mrs Naseema Kapadia was elected as the Chairperson of PACES ( Pakistan Association of Computer Education in Schools ), a project created to spread computer literacy in Pakistani schools. It was set up as a collaboration with BCCI initially and later with IBM and was led by her from 1987 – 2003.
Naseema trained over 1000 master trainers and introduced the project to over 250 schools in Pakistan. PACES also trained teachers to teach the O-level Computer Science Syllabus. The first batch of O- O-level students ( 25 in total ) took the CIE exam from St Joseph’s Covent in 1990 and fared exceptionally well from that year onwards to date.
She was blessed with a progressive mindset and approached all challenges positively. She left a lasting impact on whomever she met with her intelligence, captivating smile, and the ability always to find a solution.
Sabeen Hamood
Sabeen Hamood from LUMS made history by winning the prestigious ‘Best Delegate’ award at the Harvard National Model United Nations (HNMUN), a significant achievement for both LUMS and Pakistan. This victory is part of a remarkable back-to-back success for LUMS, as Pakistani students became the first Asian team to win consecutive titles at the highly competitive HNMUN, which attracts top-tier universities worldwide.
The LUMS delegation, which also won the Best Small Delegation award, represents the first non-American or European team to achieve this feat. Sabeen, a freshman, is the first from LUMS to receive the Best Delegate award, underscoring the talent and potential of young Pakistani students on the global stage.
Noor Zahrah Mehdi
Noor Zahrah Mehdi has made history by becoming the first Pakistani selected for the prestigious Girl Rising Student Ambassador Program, a global initiative dedicated to advancing girls’ education and empowerment. As an ambassador, Noor will raise awareness about the importance of girls’ education and advocate for change within her community.
Currently an A1 student at Roots Ivy in Islamabad, Noor has demonstrated a strong commitment to education and gender equality. Her selection is not only a personal achievement but also a step forward in empowering girls in Pakistan, as she works to amplify the voices of those overcoming barriers to education. Noor’s appointment highlights the significant role young leaders can play in driving global change for girls’ rights.
Laiba Ghanyani
IBA Karachi held its Convocation for the Class of 2024 at the Main Campus. It marked a Momentous Occasion as 1353 Graduates were conferred degrees in several disciplines. One of them was Laiba Ghanyani, the first visually impaired to graduate from IBA in 70 years.
As a visually-impaired student, Laiba’s Journey in the BS Social Sciences & Liberal Arts program, with a major in Psychology, has been nothing short of Extraordinary. Laiba’s Journey is a Testament to Resilience, Determination, and the Power of Dreams making her a perfect fit for WOW360 Trailblazers.
Also Read:
WOW360 Trailblazers List for Women Achievers 2023
Finance
Ayla Majid
Ayla Majid made history as the first South Asian and Muslim woman to be elected president of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), overseeing a global network of over 252,500 members and 526,000 future members across 180 countries. With over 20 years of experience in energy, transaction advisory, and corporate governance, Majid is the CEO of Planetive Middle East and Planetive Pakistan, specializing in sustainability and energy transition.
Educated at LUMS and the University of London, she aims to steer ACCA towards addressing global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and digital transformation. Majid advocates for updated qualifications in sustainability reporting and strategic leadership, emphasizing the need for global cooperation and diversity in leadership roles. Her election marks a milestone for resilience, inclusion, and representation in the accounting profession. Indeed an inspirational WOW360 Trailblazers story!
Hooria Batool
Hooria Batool made history by becoming the world’s youngest Chartered Accountant at the age of 19, earning recognition in the Guinness World Records. Starting her journey into accountancy at just 14, Hooria demonstrated exceptional talent and unwavering dedication, completing her A-levels at the same age.
Her remarkable achievement in the highly demanding field of accountancy serves as an inspiration for aspiring professionals, proving that age is no barrier to success. Hooria’s dedication and resilience over a seven-year journey highlight her intellectual maturity and serve as a beacon of hope for young individuals worldwide, showing that with passion and hard work, extraordinary goals can be achieved.
Law & Order
Justice Aalia Neelum
In a landmark decision, the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) unanimously approved the elevation of Justice Aalia Neelum as the first female Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court (LHC). The decision was reached on Tuesday under the leadership of Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa.
Justice Neelum’s nomination was considered alongside two other candidates: Acting Chief Justice Shujaat Ali Khan and Justice Ali Baqar Najafi. Her elevation marks a significant milestone for gender representation in Pakistan’s judiciary.
Colonel Dr Helen Mary Robert
Colonel Dr Helen Mary Robert has made history by becoming the first Christian woman to be promoted to brigadier in the Pakistan Army. A seasoned pathologist with 26 years of dedicated service in the Pakistan Army Medical Corps, Dr. Helen Mary’s promotion is a testament to her unwavering commitment to her country and profession.
Colonel Dr. Helen Mary Robert’s journey in the Pakistan Army Medical Corps has been marked by her dedication to serving her country and its people. Her promotion to brigadier is not only a personal milestone but also a significant moment for the Christian community in Pakistan. Her exemplary service underscores the Pakistan Army’s merit and national representation principles, irrespective of religious or ethnic background.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) lauded her achievement, emphasizing that “Colonel Dr. Helen Mary is a living example of merit without distinction in the Pakistan Army.” Her promotion has been widely celebrated as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the Pakistani Christian community and beyond.
SSP Tahira Yasub
In a groundbreaking achievement, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Tahira Yasub has shattered gender norms by assuming the additional role of Assistant Inspector General (AIG) in the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Police Establishment.
This historic move marks Tahira Yasub as the pioneering woman to hold such a prominent regional position. This is a testament to her remarkable career within the Gilgit-Baltistan Police Service, where she is recognized as one of the most seasoned and proficient officers.
Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi
ASP Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi was recommended for the Quaid-e-Azam Bravery Award after her heroic intervention at Ichhra Market, where a misunderstanding over a garment with Arabic script escalated into a potentially tragic mob situation. The crowd mistakenly believed the script to be Quranic verses, leading to threats and insults against the wearer.
ASP Naqvi, with remarkable courage and quick thinking, rescued the woman, preventing violence and demonstrating the critical role of law enforcement in protecting against mob justice. The incident sparked national discussions on tolerance, the power of words, and the dangers of misinformation, highlighting the importance of calm leadership in times of crisis. ASP Naqvi’s actions were widely praised, and her bravery symbolized hope and critical thinking in an increasingly polarized society.
WOW360 Trailblazers in Lifestyle
Saira Akram
Collectibles by Sonraj, a leading Pakistani brand in watches and jewelry, has made history by training and appointing Pakistan’s first female professional watchmaker, Saira Akram, at its service center in Karachi. Saira’s groundbreaking achievement in choosing watchmaking as a career is inspiring young people to consider less conventional career paths that promise both professional success and personal fulfillment. Now that’s a WOW360 Trailblazers achievement!
Media & Advertising
Rifah Qadri
easypaisa’s groundbreaking campaign ‘Audio Nikahnama’ has achieved yet another remarkable success by bringing home the Caples UK Award with a bronze in the ‘Not for Profit’ category, a silver in the ‘Mobile’ category, and a gold in ‘Audio’ category.
The accolade for “The Courageous Client Award” was also bagged by Rifah Qadri, Head of Marketing & Communications, easypaisa, becoming the first Pakistani to have been honored in the category.
The ‘Courageous Client Award’, introduced by The Caples Awards, aims to acknowledge the pivotal role clients play in fostering creativity. Personally bestowed by the President of the Jury, this honor celebrates individuals who drive some of the year’s most compelling campaigns. For the “Audio Nikahnama” campaign, Rifah Qadri, Head of Marketing & Communications at easypaisa, was selected as the first Pakistani recipient of this prestigious international recognition.
Politics
Maryam Nawaz
Maryam Nawaz has been nominated as the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate for the position of Chief Minister of Punjab, a decision endorsed by the party leadership and her father, Nawaz Sharif. Following a press briefing by PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, the nomination was officially announced, with Maryam set to lead the province after PML-N secured 131 seats in the Punjab assembly, alongside its coalition partners.
The nomination marks a significant milestone in Maryam’s political career as she emerges as the potential first female CM of Punjab. The development comes amid ongoing political shifts, with Shehbaz Sharif nominated for Prime Minister, and PTI preparing to form a government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Maryam Nawaz, a key political figure and the daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, has long been an influential force in PML-N politics.
Sports
Zaeina Haider
Zaiena Haider has broken societal norms and made history as Pakistan’s first female bodybuilder, challenging gender stereotypes and inspiring women to embrace strength beyond conventional expectations. Despite facing criticism and societal judgment, Zaiena has represented Pakistan in international bodybuilding competitions since 2019, all without government funding.
Her resilience against cultural barriers highlights the urgent need for increased support for female athletes in unconventional sports. Additionally, Zaiena’s achievements transcend bodybuilding as she continues her Master’s degree in Psychology, proving that women can excel in any field. Her story encourages Pakistani women to pursue their passions and defy societal constraints, leaving a lasting legacy of strength, determination, and empowerment. What an inspiring WOW360 Trailblazers story!
Kishmala Talat
Kishmala Talat has made history as the first Pakistani female athlete to directly qualify for the Olympics, securing her spot for the Paris 2024 Games. She achieved this groundbreaking feat by winning the silver medal in the 10m Air Pistol category at the Asian Shooting Championship in Jakarta.
This achievement not only earned her a direct qualification but also highlighted her resilience and skill, as she led the competition halfway before clinching second place. Kishmala’s success follows her earlier bronze medal at the Asian Games, marking her as a trailblazer for women in Pakistani sports. Her journey is a symbol of gender inclusivity and serves as an inspiration for aspiring female athletes to pursue their dreams with determination.
Sara Mansoor
Sara Mansoor, former national No. 1 tennis player, has made history as the first Pakistani woman to earn the prestigious ITF Level-3 coaching certification, the highest qualification offered by the International Tennis Federation. She completed the rigorous course in Valencia, Spain, with support from a scholarship provided by Olympic Solidarity and the Pakistan Olympic Association.
This milestone not only elevates Sara’s international profile but also sets a new standard for women’s tennis in Pakistan, inspiring future female players and coaches. Her achievement is seen as a major advancement for the development of women’s tennis in the country, with the potential to impact coaching programs and opportunities for women in the sport. This accomplishment makes her a great WOW360 Trailblazers fit.
Atiqa Mir
Nine-year-old Atiqa Mir made history as the first female racer to win the Rotax Challenge International Trophy race at the Le Mans Kart International circuit, competing in the MicroMax Category for the Dan Holland Racing Team. Despite being her first time at the circuit and having no prior practice, Atiqa adapted quickly, leading in practice sessions and clinching first place in Race 2 with impressive speed and skill.
Competing against 36 drivers, she showcased her talent by delivering fast lap times and strategic overtakes. Although she faced challenges in the final race, finishing 12th, her victory in Race 2 solidified her as a top female karting driver. Atiqa is set to compete in the Kartmasters event in the UK and is the only Asian and youngest nominee for the Iron Dames Young Talent event in Italy.
Nida Dar
Pakistan Women’s captain Nida Dar became the highest wicket-taker in T20 internationals during the second match against England at County Ground, Northampton. Despite Dar’s achievement, Pakistan lost the three-match series after England secured a 65-run victory. All-rounder Alice Capsey was named player of the match for her 31 runs and two wickets.
Recently, Dar also became the second Pakistani bowler to reach 100 wickets in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). In the match against England, she surpassed Australian swing bowler Megan Schutt by taking two wickets for 33 runs in her four overs.
Dar had been on the brink of this milestone during Pakistan’s home series against the West Indies but went wicketless in the first T20 match against England. Although the Pakistan team didn’t perform well and lost the series 3-0, Pakistani skipper Nida Dar was pleasantly surprised by the support her team received at all three venues.
Sybil & Veronika Sohail
Pakistani weightlifters Sehar Sohail and Veronika Sohail have etched their names in the annals of sports history by winning gold medals at the ongoing Weightlifting Championship in Potchefstroom, South Africa. Competing in the 52 kg and 57 kg categories, respectively, the sisters have not only excelled but also brought immense pride to Pakistan by securing top honors in squats, bench presses, deadlifts, and overall weight categories.
The Weightlifting Championship in Potchefstroom has been a significant event for Pakistani sports, with Sehar and Veronika Sohail’s victories marking a historic moment. Their outstanding performances in their respective weight categories have elevated Pakistan’s stature in the international weightlifting scene. The sisters’ ability to dominate in all aspects of the competition demonstrates their exceptional skill and dedication making them WOW360 Trailblazers material.
Azra Farooq and Muqadas Bukhari
In a groundbreaking development, two members of the Pakistan women’s volleyball team have made history by joining the Women’s Volleyball League in the Maldives.
Team captain Azra Farooq and vice-captain Muqadas Bukhari played for the Maldivian club Al Fawz in the MZC Ladies Cup, scheduled to commence on July 25th. This marked a historic occasion, as it is the first instance of Pakistani female volleyball players representing an overseas club.
Bano Butt and Eman Khan
Pakistani fighters Bano Butt and Eman Khan made history at the 2024 Asian MMA Championship, both winning gold medals for Pakistan. Bano Butt triumphed after knocking out India’s Khushboo Nishad in the semifinals and defeating Kazakhstan’s Gulnaz Abdrakhmanova in the final.
Eman Khan dominated her match, securing a first-round victory with a rear-naked choke against Kazakhstan’s Dinara Ayapova. Despite a silver medal finish for Bushra Ahmed, who lost to Kazakhstan’s Adel Makhametova, Team Pakistan ended the event with two golds and four silvers, marking a successful debut as the host country. This achievement highlights Pakistan’s rising prominence in MMA and reflects the country’s growing strength in combat sports. Moreover makes them the ideal fit for WOW360 Trailblazers.
Transportation
Kinza Bibi
Kinza Bibi, trained by the Sindh government, has become the first female driver of Karachi’s Pink Bus Service, a women-exclusive public transport initiative aimed at empowering women and promoting gender inclusivity. This service, now employing female drivers and conductors, serves thousands of women across five major routes, with two new routes offering free rides for female passengers for two months.
Kinza is one of 18 drivers trained at Karachi’s Mehran Depot, with licenses awarded to four female drivers at a launch event by Faryal Talpur of the Pakistan Peoples Party, highlighting a significant step towards women’s empowerment in Pakistan. The inclusion of women in roles traditionally dominated by men symbolizes progress toward economic growth, social equity, and gender equality, reinforcing the importance of empowering women like Kinza to inspire future generations.
Kudos to these amazing WOW360 Trailblazers who are inspiring a generation of powerful and driven young individuals to aspire and reach for more than just the stars.
Stay tuned to WOW360.