Dr Fouzia Saeed is one of the founding members of Mehergarh, an institute dedicated to transforming the next generation to respect human rights and democratic norms. Founded in September 2004 about an hour’s drive from Islamabad, Pakistan, Mehergarh offers residential training facilities. The Center focuses on nurturing a critical mass of young people who are committed to developing responsible citizenship, progressive leadership, and collective social action. Its approach emphasizes rediscovering and owning the richness of Pakistan’s thousands-year-old diverse culture. Cultural transformation and grounding initiatives in local traditions are core to Mehergarh’s mission.
Dr Fouzia played a pivotal role in launching an eight-week residential leadership training program for youth in 2005. Her motivation was to raise the quality of leadership in Pakistan and counter the increasing dominance of feudal and loyalty-based systems. The training targets youth from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds, nurturing their potential and involving them in future Mehergarh campaigns and activities.
To learn more about Mehergarh, visit www.Mehergarh.org.
About the Leadership Camp
Due to Dr Fouzia’s instrumental role in conceptualizing and running the Mehergarh Leadership Camp, a detailed description is provided below.
Training Concept
The eight-week residential training organized by Mehergarh targets young people aged 18–25, selected from across Pakistan. A balance of gender and urban-rural representation is maintained. The training focuses on leadership skills in human rights activism and instilling democratic values.
The approach begins with personal reflection—how we unknowingly support oppressive systems such as patriarchy and inequality—and connects it to broader societal injustices. Participants gain political understanding, explore social constructs like gender and religion, and learn from local and global social movements. Sessions use experiential learning methods and are led by seasoned trainers, including experts in attitudinal change and self-reflection.
Only 30 participants are selected annually through a national competitive process. Gender and rural/urban balance are strictly followed, with 80–90% often from rural backgrounds.
Selection Criteria:
- Proven leadership potential (demonstrated civic engagement)
- Progressive outlook and willingness to learn
- Passion and commitment to social change
- Ages between 18–25
Dr Fouzia Saeed co-leads the training with Dr Kamran Ahmad and resides with participants for the duration. She designs the curriculum, coordinates other trainers, and ensures each participant’s growth—integrating both formal sessions and informal interactions into the intense learning experience. She also facilitates sessions on Gender, Social Movements, Strategy, Activism Tools, and Culture.
Objectives of the Youth Leadership Training:
- Raise awareness of human rights and violations
- Build political understanding of systems like patriarchy and feudalism
- Encourage self-reflection to connect personal and social issues
- Develop strategic thinking on human rights issues
- Enhance skills in campaigning, lobbying, and mobilizing for change
- Strengthen alliance-building with diverse stakeholders
Photos from Recent Camps
Future Trainings on Leadership
Mehergarh is now offering advanced leadership courses with focused themes such as:
- Advocacy
- Joining Mainstream Politics
- Pluralistic Discourse
- Campaigning
- Sufism and Social Change