Dr. Fouzia Saeed, a social scientist with a PhD from the University of Minnesota, is the author of “Taboo! The Hidden Culture of a Red Light Area”, based on 8 years of field research among prostitutes in Pakistan. She is well known in the activist circles of Pakistan’s social movement, having made extensive contributions in the areas of gender and rights-based community development.
Education & Areas of Focus
Education
- Ph.D. (Education), University of Minnesota, USA, 1987 – with graduate coursework in Women’s Studies
- MS (Design), University of Minnesota, USA, 1985
- BS (General Home Economics), University of Minnesota, USA, 1983
- BS (Home Economics), University of Peshawar, Pakistan, 1979
Focus Areas
Gender & Development, Human Rights Based Community Development, Vulnerable communities and Children’s rights, Policy analysis and formulation, Education, Civil Society Organizational Capacity Building.
Major Skills
- Creative and dynamic leadership
- Policy analysis with gender perspective
- Project formulation and proposal writing
- Team organization skills
- Professional facilitation and training competence
Awards and Honors
- International Leadership Award, University of Minnesota, USA (2008)
- Distinguished International Alumni Award, University of Minnesota, USA (1998)
- Ethel L. Parker Fellow Award, American Home Economics Association (1986)
- Quaid-e-Azam Overseas Educational Award, Govt. of Pakistan (1979–1987)
- Gold Medal of Academic Excellence, University of Peshawar (1979)
- Academic Distinction Scholarships (1974–1977)
Leadership and Management Experience
- Executive Director, Lok Virsa (2015–2018): Led national initiatives on cultural heritage preservation, documentation, and promotion.
- Assistant Professor, George Mason University (2013–2014): Conducted policy research and analysis on Pakistan and other countries.
- Pakistan Fellow, Woodrow Wilson Center (2014–2015): Focused on documenting women’s movements and promoting Pakistan’s pluralistic image globally.
- Visiting Fellow, National Endowment for Democracy (2012–2013): Researched US civil society and promoted Pakistani cultural reform internationally.
- Member, National Commission on the Status of Women (2009–2012): Worked on legislative reforms for minority marriage laws, domestic violence, and women’s rights.
- Chairperson, National Implementation Watch Committee (2010–2012): Monitored and advocated for pro-women legislation and implementation.
Chairperson, High-Level Committee on Anti-Sexual Harassment Legislation
Appointed by the Prime Minister to lead the implementation of anti-sexual harassment legislation in the country. Formed under the National Commission on the Status of Women with senior representatives from the government, private sector, media, international donors, and civil society. Responsibilities included strategizing for effective implementation, stakeholder coordination, and setting up mechanisms. The committee’s impact became a national precedent.
Chairperson, The Folklore Society of Pakistan (2004 – 2012)
Founding member and later Chair of this cultural organization. Revived traditional folk music, focusing on the Manganhaar and Bhill communities. Organized multiple music festivals in Karachi and released eight audio albums and video series nationally. Developed educational materials and school programs based on cultural research.
Chairperson, Mehergarh – A Center for Learning (2004 – 2014)
Led an institution promoting human rights, pluralism, and youth leadership rooted in indigenous values. Initiated a national youth leadership training program. Conducted 50+ gender-focused trainings and developed advanced courses in democracy, activism, and legislation. Advocated for women’s rights and minorities, focusing on legislation and policy change.
Secretariat Director, AASHA (2001 – 2011)
Founder and leader of AASHA, a pioneering alliance against sexual harassment. Led the creation of national policies and facilitated their adoption across 300+ organizations. Played a key role in passing landmark legislation in 2010. Engaged diverse stakeholders and media for widespread awareness and advocacy.
Country Director, Action Aid Pakistan (2001 – 2004)
Directed a $2 million human rights program across rural and policy sectors. Created strategic frameworks and coalitions, focusing on sexual harassment, farmers’ rights, and cultural change. Decentralized the organization and built a team culture of activism and responsibility. Took on international roles in education and gender advocacy.
Head of Gender Unit, UNDP (1996 – 1998)
Established and led a UNDP gender program. Designed catalytic, rights-based projects and created UNDP’s first gender strategy in Pakistan.
National Officer, UNIFEM (1995 – 1996)
Managed programs on women’s issues, government advocacy, and preparatory work for the Beijing Conference.
Coordinator, 4th World Conference on Women (1994 – 1995)
Coordinated Pakistan’s delegation and agenda development with government and NGOs for the Beijing Conference.
Programme Officer, Education, Aga Khan Foundation (1993 – 1994)
Managed a $6 million education portfolio, focusing on Northern Areas of Pakistan.
Deputy Director, Research, Lok Virsa (1987 – 1993)
Led research programs focused on women in traditional culture at the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage.
Gender Training Experience
- Mehergarh (2005-2008): Designed and led annual eight-week leadership training for youth from diverse religions on human rights and activism.
- GTZ (2006-2008): Developed workplace harassment strategies, conducted ToTs, and produced gender-awareness media in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
- SPC (2003): Developed gender sensitization manuals for Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia.
- UNDP Fiji (2001): Conducted ToT and refresher training on gender orientation for civil servants.
Leadership and Management Experience
- Director General, Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) (2019–2021): Led the country’s national arts institution, promoting cultural expression, supporting artists, and revitalizing arts infrastructure.
- Executive Director, Lok Virsa (2015–2018): Led national initiatives on cultural heritage preservation, documentation, and promotion.
- Assistant Professor, George Mason University (2013–2014): Conducted policy research and analysis on Pakistan and other countries.
- Pakistan Fellow, Woodrow Wilson Center (2014–2015): Focused on documenting women’s movements and promoting Pakistan’s pluralistic image globally.
- Visiting Fellow, National Endowment for Democracy (2012–2013): Researched US civil society and promoted Pakistani cultural reform internationally.
- Member, National Commission on the Status of Women (2009–2012): Worked on legislative reforms for minority marriage laws, domestic violence, and women’s rights.
- Chairperson, National Implementation Watch Committee (2010–2012): Monitored and advocated for pro-women legislation and implementation.