TFD Report
KARACHI: Dawood Global Foundation’s LADIESFUND, a leading advocate for women’s empowerment and health inclusivity, hosted the 6th LADIESFUND Breast Cancer Roundtable in partnership with Breast Cancer Task Force led by Samina Alvi and M by Mahira Khan on October 25, 2025, at The Buraq Center by LADIESFUND, Karachi.
The impactful event brought together healthcare stakeholders, breast cancer survivors, doctors, women entrepreneurs, and prominent personalities to promote awareness, early detection, and celebrate survivor resilience. Chairperson Simi Kamil opened the roundtable with a strong call for early screening and community-driven action.
Guest of Honour Samina Alvi, Former First Lady of Pakistan and Chairperson of the Breast Cancer Task Force, commended LADIESFUND’s efforts to break stigmas and encourage early detection. “Breast cancer is not just a women’s issue but a societal one. Events like these play a pivotal role in spreading awareness and providing support,” she said.
The event, hosted by Tara Uzra Dawood, President LADIESFUND, featured inspiring stories from breast cancer survivors Sima Kamil, Fauzia Maung Khuhro, Samina Aslam, Dr. Faizullah Abbasi, and Sara Bano, alongside influential figures from healthcare, media, law, film, finance, fashion, beauty, and mental health.
Tara Uzra Dawood emphasized the importance of collective action, while Sima Kamil announced the successful raising of PKR 9 million for the LADIESFUND Breast Cancer Endowment Fund, aimed at establishing a Women’s Cancer Center to provide early detection and treatment facilities.
Dr. Rufina Soomro praised LADIESFUND’s practical efforts, highlighting their role in offering both medical and emotional support to survivors. Legal expert Sana Sharifuddin Pirzada shared details of a proposed bill focusing on legal and medical reforms to ensure screenings and accountability in breast cancer care.
BankIslami Pakistan Limited, represented by Ayesha Ashraf Jangda, reaffirmed its support through its Mashal Savings Account, which includes free Breast Cancer Takaful.
At the event, Tara Uzra Dawood announced the establishment of a Women Cancer Center providing free services and dedicated mental health support groups for survivors. Sarwar Peshimam of Shahi Enterprises lauded these concrete steps, calling them a milestone in women’s health initiatives.
The emotional highlight came through survivor stories, including Dr. Faizullah Abbasi’s inspiring account and Saba Rehan’s moving testimony of her breast cancer journey at age 29.
Depilex served as Beauty Partner, Igloo Pakistan as Ice Cream Partner, Bombay Sweets as Chief Guest Gift Basket Partner, and BankIslami as Supporter.
LADIESFUND reaffirmed its commitment to advancing health inclusivity and women’s empowerment through meaningful action, proving once again that collaborative efforts can drive lasting impact.
