Born: c.1985 (Pakistan)
Biography:
Abia Akram (Urdu: ; born c.1985) is a Pakistani disability rights activist. She is the founder of the National Forum of Women with Disabilities in Pakistan and a leading figure within the disability rights movement in the country as well as in Asia and the Pacific. Abia was named as one of the BBC’s 100 Women in 2021.
Abia Akram was born in Pakistan and grew up with her parents and siblings in Islamabad. She was born with the genetic form of rickets, which led to her being bound to a wheelchair. Despite this challenge, she pursued her education at an education centre for people with disabilities before transitioning to a mainstream school. Abia’s determination and hard work paid off, and she graduated from the mainstream school with the highest honours.
Abia’s time at the mainstream school made her realize the lack of knowledge among teachers about disabilities and the importance of systematic training for teachers. In 1997, she became involved in disabled people’s organizations and founded the National Forum of Women with Disabilities to work towards creating change.
Abia’s dedication to disability rights led her to get involved in Handicap International, where she founded the Ageing and Disability Task Force. This task force is a coalition of twelve organizations that work towards mainstreaming concerns around ageing and disability across humanitarian agencies.
During the devastating Pakistan floods in 2010, Abia Akram played a central role as the coordinator for the Ageing and Disability Task Force. She ensured that disability inclusiveness was integrated into the UN Humanitarian Emergency Response in the country.
Abia Akram’s remarkable leadership and advocacy have made her a prominent figure not only within the disability rights movement in Pakistan but also in Asia and the Pacific. She is the head and founder of the National Forum of Women with Disabilities, dedicating her efforts to empower and amplify the voices of women with disabilities in Pakistan.
In addition to her work with the National Forum, Abia is a founding member and coordinator of the Special Talent Exchange Program (STEP) and the Asia Pacific Women with Disabilities United (APWWDU). She holds the position of chair in the UNICEF Global Partnership for Children with Disabilities and serves as the Women’s Coordinator of Disabled Peoples’ International in the Asia-Pacific region.
Abia Akram has also received recognition on an international level. She was the first woman from Pakistan, as well as the first woman with disabilities, to be nominated as the coordinator for the Commonwealth Young Disabled Peoples Forum. In 2011, she received a Master of Arts in Gender and International Development from the University of Warwick in England. Abia has also conducted research work in Japan, further expanding her expertise and knowledge.
Her accomplishments have been acknowledged and celebrated, as she became the first woman with a disability from Pakistan to receive a Chevening Scholarship. This esteemed scholarship allowed her to pursue her studies and continue making significant contributions to the disability rights movement.
Abia Akram’s tireless efforts and remarkable achievements have earned her a well-deserved place among the BBC’s 100 Women in 2021. Her work is an inspiration to many, and she continues to strive for equal rights and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities, leaving an indelible mark on women’s history.
Awards:
– List of awards or recognitions can be included here.