Syeda Shahida Shah Kakakhel

Syeda Shahida Shah Kakakhel, a master in Human Development Studies and an M.Phil. research scholar in Central Asian, Chinese, Russian, and Afghan studies, is a prominent Pashtun feminist and activist in KP/FATA. She advocates for women’s rights, minority rights, and peace. From September 2012 to January 2017, she led ‘Takrah Qabailee Khwenday’ (Brave Tribal Sisters), a forum for tribal women of FATA. Ms. Shah has worked extensively for minority rights in KP/FATA, engaging in legislative and advocacy efforts with parliamentarians, politicians, media, and civil society. As a peace activist, she has participated in numerous protests and rallies against injustices and terrorism. At the request of APS martyrs’ mothers, she mobilized civil society to demand justice and arranged a delegation to meet President Asif Ali Zardari in May 2017. She also led delegations of tribal women to meet key political figures to protest against FCR and support FATA reforms. Ms. Shah is a member of various local, national, and South Asian networks, advocating for women’s empowerment for a prosperous Pakistan.