Karachi, Pakistan – Umeed by LADIESFUND (Dawood Global Foundation), in collaboration with SINA Health, Education & Welfare Trust and Ruhamaa Bridge for Orphans, successfully hosted its impactful “Heart to Heart” Breast Cancer Awareness Session at the SINA Katchi Abadi Branch.
The session brought together over 120 women, including many widows and single mothers with their children, creating a supportive, family-friendly environment focused on awareness, education, and early detection.
The program was chaired by Umeed by LADIESFUND Co-Chair and breast cancer survivor Sima Kamil, who led the session with empathy and compassion, emphasizing the importance of early detection, access to healthcare, and community-driven awareness. Umeed by LADIESFUND Co-Chair and breast cancer survivor Fauzia Maung Khuhro shared her personal journey and trained participants in self-examination, inspiring women to prioritize their health and seek timely medical support.
“The work being done by LADIESFUND on Breast Cancer awareness in Kathchi Abadis is truly impactful. The women who gathered to listen were eager to share their personal stories and these were journeys of resilience amid huge challenges. Very proud of the contribution being made by us at Umeed by LADIESFUND,” said Sima Kamil.
“Breast cancer is not just a disease—it affects entire families and communities. As a survivor, I understand the fear and strength this journey demands. What stood out most in our outreach was how engaged, thoughtful, and informed the women were—openly sharing their experiences and asking important questions with honesty and courage. When women are given knowledge, they respond with clarity and strength—and that is where change begins,” said Fauzia Maung Khuhro.
Reflecting the impact at the community level, participating widow Shazi said, ““لیڈیز فنڈ کے ذریعے میں نے سیکھا کہ اپنی صحت کا خیال رکھنا کتنا اہم ہے، خاص طور پر باقاعدگی سے اپنے سینوں کا معائنہ کرنا اور چھاتی کے کینسر کی ابتدائی علامات سے آگاہ رہنا۔ ہمیں یہ رہنمائی دی گئی کہ ہم اپنے جسم کی نگرانی کیسے کریں اور آگاہی اور بروقت اقدام کے ذریعے خود کو کیسے محفوظ رکھیں۔
اس سیشن نے مجھے یہ سمجھنے میں مدد دی کہ مجھے اپنی صحت اور بھلائی پر کیسے توجہ دینی چاہیے۔ میں لیڈیز فنڈ کی شکر گزار ہوں کہ انہوں نے ہمیں یہ قیمتی علم اور آگاہی فراہم کی،” شریکِ کار بیوہ شازی نے کہا۔ (“Through LADIESFUND, I learned how important it is to take care of our health, especially by regularly checking our breasts and being aware of early signs of breast cancer. We were guided on how to monitor our bodies and protect ourselves through awareness and timely action. This session helped me understand how to pay attention to my own health and well-being. I am grateful to LADIESFUND for giving us this valuable knowledge and awareness,” said participating widow Shazi.)
“لیڈیز فنڈ کے امید پروگرام
کے ذریعے مجھے یہ موقع ملا کہ میں اپنے آپ کو محفوظ رکھنے اور اپنی صحت و بھلائی کا خیال رکھنے کے طریقے سیکھ سکوں۔ اس پروگرام نے مجھے ذاتی حفاظت اور خود کی دیکھ بھال سے متعلق اہم مہارتیں سکھائیں، جنہوں نے مجھے زیادہ بااعتماد اور باخبر بنا دیا ہے۔ میں لیڈیز فنڈ کی بے حد شکر گزار ہوں کہ انہوں نے ہمیں سیکھنے اور ترقی کرنے کا یہ قیمتی موقع فراہم کیا،” شریکِ کار بیوہ صدف نے کہا۔ (“Through the Umeed program by LADIESFUND, I was given the opportunity to learn how to protect myself and take care of my well-being. This program has taught me important skills about personal safety and self-care, which have made me more confident and aware. I am truly grateful to LADIESFUND for providing us with this valuable opportunity to learn and grow,” said participating widow Sadaf.)
The session also included on-site medical screenings conducted by SINA staff, with high-risk individuals referred for further diagnostic testing.
“There is nothing more compelling for a woman than to hear from a survivor of breast cancer, to get screening done. The Umeed by LADIESFUND initiative of Dawood Global Foundation enabled 120+ women at Juma Goth, Korangi to learn about breast cancer through an awareness session held at the SINA Clinic at their doorstep. More than 36 of them were motivated enough to come back for an exam and more than 10% were found to have a lump. This is an incredible service. Specially when many of these women are widows and the only parent for children who have lost their dads. Great synergy, fantastic outcome. Well done!” said Dr. Naseeruddin Mahmood, Pediatrician, Co-Founder, ChildLife Foundation & Ruhamaa Trust, who along with Iqbal Adamjee requested Umeed by LADIESFUND to conduct the session.
Highlighting the importance of grassroots outreach, Tara Uzra Dawood, CEO of LADIESFUND, stated: “Empowering women with knowledge about their health is one of the most powerful ways to build stronger families and healthier communities. Early detection saves lives, and we must ensure this awareness reaches every woman, especially in underserved areas.”
“Key highlights of the session included resilience building where participants shared stories of overcoming adversity, described by organizers as “real-world heroes” deserving of high-quality support; medical screenings where SINA staff conducted breast examinations, and direct referrals where high-risk individuals were linked to diagnostic services for further testing,” said Dr. Sabeen Shah, CMO, SINA. “Following this success, SINA and Umeed by LADIESFUND aim to expand these collaborative empowerment and screening sessions across all 40 SINA clinics citywide.”
Adding to the welcoming environment, McDonald’s Pakistan sponsored meals for attendees and their children.
This initiative reflects a shared commitment to uplifting underserved communities through awareness, compassion, and access to life-saving care. Umeed by LADIESFUND continues to champion programs that empower women with knowledge, support, and resources to transform lives.
