ASR Resource Centre & Institute of Women’s Study Lahore (IWSL)

The Applied Socio-Economic Research (ASR) Resource Center for Women was founded by Nighat Said Khan in 1983. It was officially registered as a non-profit during Benazir Bhutto’s government in the 1990s. Prior to its registration it was known simply as a political organization. ASR was founded on certain guiding principles. First and foremost was that it would be a feminist and socialist organization. It would always have a strong anti- military and dictatorial stance. Additionally, it would stand for peace, within and outside Pakistan. The recognition of the importance of the arts and development of creativity in enabling peace and prosperity in society was also an integral cornerstone to ASR’s work.  

ASR made important contributions in helping governments prepare for international conferences. It facilitated the government in the 1993 World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna, the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo, and the 1995 World Conference on Women in Beijing. Participation in these conferences required adequate on ground preparation for NGOs and the government. ASR helped prepare reports which represented the NGO sector and acted as a representative of organizations catering to gendered concerns in the country.

ASR grew into one of the largest women research and advocacy centers in the country. It conducted conferences for women which were significant in bridging the urban and rural divide and introducing generations of women to feminist theory and history. In addition to this, it produced a range of publications on issues relevant to feminism in Pakistan, such as Hidden from History: Forgotten Queens of Islam. In collaboration with the Institute of Women’s Studies Lahore, it launched a certificate course for Gender Studies with a carefully organized syllabus. The dedicated residential space crafted around these classes along with the expert faculty created a unique learning experience. ASR was also committed to archiving all resource material at its disposal, such as materials used for conferences and lectures, and other forms correspondences. 
 

After 1995, there was increased pressure by western donors to have their name featured on programs and research material. ASR never acquiesced to that demand and lost out on considerable funding as a result. The issue of whether to accept funds from the United States was also a contentious matter for NGOs. The support which US-based donors provided was dependent on the government’s compliance with prescribed policies and, thus, could be rescinded at any moment. NGOs, such as ASR never accepted funds from USAID.  

Bibliography 
Interview with Nighat Said Khan, 18th January 2023
ASR Archives
Khan, Ayesha. The Women's Movement in Pakistan: Activism, Islam and Democracy. I.B. Tauris, London, 2018