Junaid Family Foundation links women’s tennis in Islamabad to health and education push

The Junaid Family Foundation wrapped a women’s tennis tournament in Islamabad on Oct. 17 while tying the event to broader efforts on maternal health, girls’ education and women’s opportunity in Pakistan. The foundation said it is planning another gathering in Pakistan next spring after meetings with officials, policymakers and development partners.

Why it matters: - The tournament gave women athletes a bigger stage in Pakistan. - The event also served as a public platform for health, education and workforce issues affecting women and children. - Junaid Family Foundation leaders framed the week as part of a longer-term push to expand opportunity in Pakistan.

What happened: - Junaid Family Foundation celebrated the conclusion of the World Tennis Women’s 15,000 Futures Tournament on Saturday, Oct. 17, in Islamabad. - The foundation served as title sponsor for the weeklong event. - The tournament featured athletes from around the world and Pakistan’s rising female talent. - Ansir and Sufia Junaid attended the final day of matches and award ceremonies. - Natalie Baker, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, joined the prize distribution. - Astrid Cirotte of France won the women’s singles title. - Ru Xi Wu of China and Kamonwan Yodpetch of Thailand won the women’s doubles title.

The details: - The event carried the theme “A Powerful Serve for Women’s Health.” - Junaid Family Foundation has worked with Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination and other partners to expand access to Multiple Micronutrient Supplements for more than 2 million pregnant women. - The foundation said the maternal nutrition effort focuses on building systems that make access sustainable. - Junaid Family Foundation supports scholarships at Akhuwat College for Women in Chakwal. - Students at the college can earn bachelor’s degrees without paying for tuition, clothing, food or medical care. - Fifteen scholarship students attended the final day of matches and award ceremonies. - The foundation supports the International Women Leaders Summit in Karachi, hosted annually by New World Concepts Pakistan. - That summit brings together women from across Pakistan to hear from speakers in fields including banking, artisanal work and philanthropy.

Between the lines: - The tennis tournament was also a convening tool. - Ansir Junaid and Sufia Junaid used the week to meet with government officials, senior policymakers, civic leaders and development partners. - Those meetings built on JFF relationships formed through its maternal nutrition work. - The foundation is using sport, health and education together to reinforce the same message: women’s advancement depends on access, visibility and systems support. - Sufia Junaid said a healthy pregnancy, education and international sports success can each change what a young girl imagines for her future.

What's next: - Junaid Family Foundation said discussions with partners will continue after the Islamabad event. - The foundation is planning its next gathering in Pakistan for next spring. - The goal is to turn shared priorities into action in health, education and wellbeing. - The foundation also pointed to the upcoming Billie Jean Cup Asia/Oceania competition this week.

The bottom line: - Junaid Family Foundation is using women’s tennis in Pakistan to spotlight a broader development agenda and keep momentum behind long-term work on women’s health and opportunity.

More information: Junaid Family Foundation