She secured a spot on the BBC's 100 Women list
Among global notoriety, the spotlight on Pakistani women has been growing brighter, showcasing their work towards innovation and groundbreaking contributions.
From the bustling streets of Karachi to the international arenas of entrepreneurship, art, and activism, these women are beacons of inspiration.
Not only are they achieving tremendous accolades in their fields, but they are emphasising the hard work, determination, and resilience of Pakistani women.
Among these trailblazers lie their stories which will surely resonate with everyone.
From Sidra Qasim to Fajer Mankani, we unearth the most successful Pakistani women of 2023.
Nabila Maqsood
Nabila Maqsood is an award-winning stylist from Pakistan, who has led a portfolio of salons, managed high-profile projects, and offered image-related solutions for over three decades.
Recognised for setting industry benchmarks, Nabila has played a pivotal role in shaping Pakistani fashion by nurturing emerging talent.
Nabila’s internationally acclaimed team continually contributes iconic looks to Pakistan’s television, drama, commercial, film, and fashion scenes.
Trusted by celebrities, directors, athletes, production houses, designers, and brands, Nabila has left an indelible mark on the creative landscape.
With a minimalist philosophy, ZERO Makeup, an offering from Nabila, provides a comprehensive solution for women on the go, delivering flawless results in under a minute.
She opened her first salon in Karachi in May 1986.
Over the years, she has expanded her salon chain across Pakistan, introducing specialised services such as the men’s salon, “N-Gents,” and a Nail Salon.
Beyond her beauty endeavours, Nabila is actively engaged in social and charitable causes.
Collaborating with various organisations, she advocates for education and healthcare initiatives in Pakistan.
Widely respected for her entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropy, Nabila Maqsood remains a prominent figure in Pakistan.
Fajer Rabia Pasha
Born in Pakistan in 1984, Fajer Pasha embarked on a journey of social impact from a young age.
At just 15, she actively participated in her mother’s charity work, fostering connections between women entrepreneurs in rural areas and global markets.
In 2000, Pasha moved to the UK with her family, and at the age of 18, she founded Inspired Sisters, a social enterprise based in Manchester.
Recognising the need for women-only facilities for those from ethnic minority backgrounds, Pasha initiated Inspired Sisters to provide essential support.
Starting with a small room equipped with loaned computers, the company aimed to facilitate access to online training, particularly through Leardirect.
Under Pasha, Inspired Sisters helped 3000 women with free training in its inaugural year.
Fajer Pasha’s career gained prominence in England due to her innovative approaches and profound understanding of the challenges faced by women.
Through Inspired Sisters, she spearheaded numerous Education, Entrepreneurship, and Employment initiatives, empowering women and marginalised communities to escape poverty.
In 2013, Fajer Pasha returned to Pakistan, dedicating herself to instigating crucial changes.
As the Executive Director of Pakistan Alliance for Girls Education, she focused on improving girls’ education through policy advocacy, mentoring, and community-led programs.
Pasha’s commitment to social change through education has earned her recognition, including the 2019 Coat of Arms for services to communities in the UK and Pakistan.
Her Inspired Sisters initiative received the Young Inspiring Women award from the Lord Mayor of Manchester in 2019.
Other accolades include the Future 100 Social Entrepreneur Award (2011), the Highly Commended National Young Director Award (2010), and the Northwest Young Inspiring Women Award (2010).
With her work impacting the futures of young women across the world, she stands as one of the most empowering Pakistani women.
Yasmeen Lari
Born in 1941 in Pakistan, Yasmeen Lari relocated to London at 15 years old.
After studying art and architecture at Oxford Polytechnic (now Oxford Brookes), she returned to Pakistan at 23, becoming the country’s first female architect.
Despite facing challenges, Lari established her successful firm, Lari Associates, serving major government and financial institutions.
In 1980, Lari co-founded the Heritage Foundation of Pakistan, pioneering the design of self-built sustainable shelters, providing homes for 50,000 people.
Notable among her creations is the Chulah Cookstove, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional stoves, with over 80,000 units in use.
This innovative design significantly reduces emissions, addressing environmental and health issues associated with open-fire cooking.
Currently, Lari focuses on the repair and regeneration of Lahore, emphasising recycling materials and buildings.
Her work means she was awarded the very prestigious Royal Gold Medal, an architectural honour.
This accolade, personally approved by the monarch, has a rich history dating back to 1848. On hearing the news, she told RIBA:
“I was so surprised to hear this news and of course totally delighted!
“I never imagined that as I focus on my country’s most marginalised people — venturing down uncharted vagabond pathways – I could still be considered for the highest of honours in the architectural profession.”
Her holistic approach to architecture aligns with the principles of ‘low cost, zero carbon, zero waste’.
This philosophy makes Yasmeen Lari relevant to contemporary practitioners, showcasing alternative models for community empowerment and sustainable architecture in response to climate change.
Neha Mankani
Neha Mankani, a Fulbright Program alumna, founded the Mama Baby Fund in 2019, aiming to aid financially challenged new mothers with prenatal and postnatal care.
Educated in the US, Mankani earned a master’s degree in public health from Columbia University and participated in the ICM Young Leaders Programme.
Her career took a humanitarian turn when she worked in a Ugandan refugee camp.
After graduating, she joined Lady Dufferin Hospital’s midwifery program, initiating a fund among friends and family to financially assist patients.
In 2015, Mankani launched maternal health clinics for underserved communities in Pakistan.
The Mama Baby Fund became a beacon of support for families unable to afford crucial healthcare.
Her dedication extended to providing patient care on Baba Island and later contributing to the setup and management of midwife programs at Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN).
In 2022, amidst flooding in Sindh Province, Mankani, as part of a group of midwives, provided vital care.
She visited flood-affected areas and internally displaced persons camps, delivering supplies for safe childbirth and conducting maternal health clinics.
Her impactful work garnered attention, leading to an interview on BBC’s Woman’s Hour.
An active member of Women in Global Health, Mankani serves as the PUSH Campaign’s regional coordinator for South Asia.
She also heads the Midwifery Association of Pakistan’s Karachi chapter.
Her contributions were recognised with the Beyond Applause: Heroines of Health 2021 Award by Women in Global Health.
In March 2023, she was honoured as the US Mission Pakistan’s Woman of Courage, and in November 2023, she secured a spot on the BBC’s 100 Women list.
With such an awe-inspiring list of tackling issues head-on, Mankani has been one of the standout Pakistani women of the year.
Sidra Qasim
Sidra Qasim is the co-founder and CEO of New York-based footwear company Atoms.
Atoms is gaining recognition for its minimalist design and commitment to sustainability, utilising eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes.
Qasim’s journey from Okara, Pakistan, to the helm of a successful startup has been marked by defiance of societal norms and a relentless pursuit of her ambitions.
Growing up, she challenged gender norms and expectations that sought to limit her aspirations.
Despite pressures to conform, Qasim remained steadfast in her pursuit of entrepreneurship and questioned the ideas that sought to confine her.
Her tenacious spirit found a kindred soul in Waqas Ali, whom she met as a teenager.
Together, they embarked on a journey that led to the founding of multiple companies, including Atoms.
The duo, partners in business and life, ventured beyond the confines of Pakistan, even pitching their ideas at the esteemed startup accelerator Y Combinator.
Over the years, Qasim transformed from a teenager imagining chai coming from computer wires to co-founding a successful direct-to-consumer shoe startup.
Atoms, known for its sleek design, has secured over $8 million in funding from investors like Initialised Capital, Shrug Capital, and Kleiner Perkins.
From defying her father’s scepticism about her future to becoming the force behind a successful startup, Qasim’s story has attracted eyes from all over the world.
It’s the pursuit of her dreams and the knowledge to create a new product in this world that has made her one of the most successful Pakistani women.
In a world often overshadowed by narratives of adversity, the success stories of these Pakistani women are incredible to share.
As we celebrate their triumphs, it is a poignant reminder that success knows no bounds, and these superstars continue to illuminate the path for others aspiring to dream, defy, and achieve.
Through their journeys, the narrative of Pakistani women becomes a compelling chapter in the ongoing saga of global empowerment.
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