Ms. Abia Akram

With a personal experience of physical disability, Ms. Abia Akram has been engaged in the activities of Disability Movement since 1997. In the struggle of giving voice to women with disabilities, she has been lobbying with parliamentarians and UN high level representatives focusing on developing advocacy strategies in relation to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Inclusive Development. She also coordinates efforts of including persons with disabilities in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. She has been instrumental in establishing multiple forums and taskforces of Women with Disabilities at national and international levels. She organized and lead three US Exchange Programs between Pakistan and US in which 55 representative visited US to envision the leadership role of policy makers in relation to UN Convention on the Rights of PWDs in diversified environment. Being a member of Beijing +20 Review Committee member, she is highlighting the concerns of women with disabilities in global agenda.  She serves as: 1) Chairperson, National Forum of Women with Disabilities, Pakistan, Director Projects, STEP (Special Talent Exchange Program), Pakistan, 2) Trustee, SightSavers International, UK, 3) Regional Council Member, Asia Pacific Women Law & Development (APWLD), and 4) Global Chair, Global Forum on Leadership of Women with Disabilities