Programme:
Health and Wellbeing Youth Innovation Challenge 2022 and Initiative are Nisa Kahaniyan with Baithak, Co-founders; Sila Shahid, Samra Maqbool, and Amna Salim
Brief Profile:
Launched in 2022, Nisa Kahaniyan by Baithak is an innovative initiative from Karachi aimed at addressing the cultural taboos surrounding menstruation. The team behind this project—Sila Shahid, Samra Maqbool, and Amna Salim—developed a culturally sensitive comic book series that educates young girls and their parents about menstruation and menstrual hygiene management (MHM). Recognizing that periods are often a hush-hush topic in many communities, this comic book series serves as a tool to initiate much-needed conversations, targeting both pre-menstrual girls and their guardians. Nisa Kahaniyan was awarded seed funding of PKR75,000 as one of the top three winners of the challenge, along with two months of mentorship. Following the grant, the team launched their interactive comic book, which they are now distributing in underserved communities. The project has opened up critical conversations about menstrual health, and their goal for the future is to expand the comic book series and introduce educational workshops in schools.
Programme:
Health and Wellbeing Youth Innovation Challenge 2022 and initiative She-Guard, Grant Winners are Co-founders; Nayab Raza, Mehreen Raza, and Safina Bibi
Brief Profile:
She-Guard, launched in 2022 by Nayab Raza, Mehreen Raza, and Safina Bibi from Hyderabad, is an eco-friendly innovation addressing menstrual hygiene issues in underserved communities. The project focuses on providing women and girls with biodegradable sanitary pads made from natural herbs and sustainable materials. The product aims to reduce both the environmental impact of single-use sanitary pads and the health risks associated with unhygienic menstrual practices. She-Guard was one of the three grant winners, receiving seed money of PKR75,000 and mentorship for two months. With this support, the team began production of their biodegradable pads, which are now being distributed in rural areas of Hyderabad. Their future plans include scaling up production, raising awareness about menstrual hygiene, and making the product available nationwide to improve access to affordable and sustainable sanitary products.
Programme:
Health and Wellbeing Youth Innovation Challenge 2022 and initiative Saheli Radio, Grant Winners are Co-founders; Bhoora Lal, Vinesh Kumar, and Meeran
Grant and Outcome:
Saheli Radio, founded by Bhoora Lal, Vinesh Kumar, and Meeran in Umerkot, Sindh, launched in 2022 with a groundbreaking solution to improve access to reproductive health information in rural and underprivileged communities. The project distributes MP3 devices loaded with pre-recorded episodes in the local language, Thatki, containing vital information on reproductive health, menstrual hygiene, and life skills-based education. This initiative breaks down linguistic and cultural barriers that often prevent women from accessing critical health information.
Brief Profile:
As one of the top three winners, Saheli Radio received a grant of PKR75,000 and two months of mentorship. Since then, they have distributed MP3 devices to women in rural Umerkot and are working on expanding their reach through partnerships with local radio stations. In the future, the team plans to collaborate with schools and other organizations to further promote reproductive health education in local communities and potentially scale the model to other underserved regions
1. Research Title:
Analyses of the Impact of Water Quality Standards and Sustainable Urban Water Management on the health of locals in Karachi
Programme:
Policy Research Challenge 2023 (Adolescent Category) Grant Winners are Ehsan Irshad
Brief Profile:
Ehsan, a dedicated young researcher from Karachi, won the prestigious Policy Research Challenge organized by the School of Leadership Foundation in partnership with UNICEF, UNFPA, UNDP, and Generation Unlimited. His project focused on analyzing the impact of water quality standards and sustainable urban water management on the health of local communities in Karachi. For his outstanding work, Ehsan was awarded a grant of PKR 150,000 to further advance his research. With a passion for improving public health and urban sustainability, he continues to make a positive impact on his community through his findings and contributions.
2. Research Title:
Exploring Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and Livelihood Transition in Urban Informal Settlements Vulnerable to Sea Level Rise in Dist Badin, Sindh. Grant Winners are Ayaan Dawoodani
Brief Profile:
Ayaan Malik, a 14-year-old from Karachi, participated in the Policy Research Challenge organized by the School of Leadership Foundation (SoLF) in collaboration with UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA, and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP). After being awarded a grant of PKR 100,000 to conduct research, he dedicated time to completing an in-depth study on his chosen policy topic. Once his research was finalized, Ayaan was selected to present his findings at a roundtable discussion in front of Rana Mashood Khan, the Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme.
3. Research Title:
Exploring Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and Livelihood Transition in Urban Informal Settlements Vulnerable to Sea Level Rise in Dist Badin, Sindh. Grant Winners are Zunaira Bibi
Brief Profile:
Zunaira Qayyum, a Grade 8 student from Hub City, Balochistan, and an alumnus of the School of Intensive Teaching, has achieved notable recognition in her academic journey. She won the Policy Research Challenge organized by the School of Leadership Foundation in collaboration with UNICEF, UNFPA, UNDP, and SoLF under Generation Unlimited, focusing on climate change and girls’ education. This accomplishment earned her a grant of PKR 100,000 to further her work. Following this success, Zunaira attended a conference in Islamabad and was selected for UNICEF’s Youth Advocacy Guide Training in Nepal. Currently, she is rolling out this training for 40 young individuals in her community, aspiring to become a Youth Advocate at UNICEF and continue driving positive change.
1. Research Title:
Smog Governance: Assessing the impact of smog on air quality: A case study of Lahore
Programme Name:
Policy Research Challenge 2023 (Youth Category) Grant Winners: Shahid Kamal
Brief Profile:
Shahid Kamal is a developmental and academic researcher with a professional background in policy formulation and implementation. He received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Peshawar and a Master’s in Politics and Public Policy from Forman Christian College University, Lahore. ..
Shahid’s research and academic interests include migrant and displacement issues, climate governance and policy, border studies, and Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. Over the past four years, he has contributed to various academic and developmental projects in different capacities, gaining extensive experience in project implementation and coordination..
As a participant in the Policy Research Challenge (PRC), Shahid Kamal won a grant of PKR 500,000 for his research titled “Smog Governance: Assessing the Impact of Smog on Air Quality – A Case Study of Lahore.
In the future, Shahid aims to continue his work on climate governance and policy reform, focusing on sustainable solutions to environmental challenges and advancing his expertise in developmental research.
Shahid’s research and academic interests include migrant and displacement issues, climate governance and policy, border studies, and Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. Over the past four years, he has contributed to various academic and developmental projects in different capacities, gaining extensive experience in project implementation and coordination..
As a participant in the Policy Research Challenge (PRC), Shahid Kamal won a grant of PKR 500,000 for his research titled “Smog Governance: Assessing the Impact of Smog on Air Quality – A Case Study of Lahore.
In the future, Shahid aims to continue his work on climate governance and policy reform, focusing on sustainable solutions to environmental challenges and advancing his expertise in developmental research.
2. Research Title:
Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as Pakistan`s Roadmap to Climate-Smart Agriculture Policies Grant Winners are Majid Ali
Brief Profile:
Majid Ali, an independent researcher, content writer, and community volunteer, won a grant of PKR 300,000 as a participant in the Policy Research Challenge (PRC). His research, titled “Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as Pakistan’s Roadmap to Climate-Smart Agriculture Policies,” focuses on innovative strategies for promoting sustainable and resilient agricultural practices in Pakistan. Through this research, Majid aims to contribute to the development of climate-smart policies that ensure environmental sustainability and food security.
3. Research Title:
Textual to Practical Climate Education: Enhancing Student-Teacher Capacity in Adopting Climate Protection Strategies Grant Winners are Muniza Imran Mueed
Brief Profile:
Muniza is student of BS Education at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, she is actively engaged in initiatives related to education and climate change, focusing on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4 and 13. Her dedication and passion for transforming Pakistan’s education system were recognized when she won a PKR 200,000 grant in the Policy Research Challenge (PRC), organized by the School of Leadership Foundation, in collaboration with UNICEF, UNFPA, UNDP, and Generation Unlimited. She continues to strive for positive change through her work in education and sustainability.
Programme:
Generation Unlimited Youth Challenge 3.0 initiative Siachen Sherpa Grant Winners are Zeeshan Abbas, Ghayoor Abbas, and Mairaj Muhammad
Brief Profile:
Siachen Sherpa is a team of three adolescents—Zeeshan Abbas, Ghayoor Abbas, and Mairaj Muhammad—hailing from Khaplu, Gilgit-Baltistan. Their project aims to tackle water scarcity in the region by creating artificial glaciers. These glaciers mimic natural ice formations to store water during the winter months, which is then used for irrigation as it melts in spring. Siachen Sherpa partnered with UNFPA and other local organizations to launch this initiative.
In 2022, Siachen Sherpa first applied to the Generation Unlimited Youth Challenge 3.0, where they received a grant of PKR 175,000. With this initial funding, they successfully built their first artificial glacier in Happi Village, Khaplu, which effectively addressed water scarcity and boosted agricultural productivity. Based on the success of this project, in 2024, UNICEF, in partnership with the School of Leadership Foundation, is endorsing the team with an additional seed funding of PKR 2.4 million. This new grant will allow them to expand their initiative and construct more artificial glaciers in Machlu Village, Khaplu, further scaling their impact on water management in the region.
Programme:
Generation Unlimited Youth Challenge 3.0 initiative Zamurd Enterprises Grant Winners Bilal Ahmed, Salal.
Brief Profile:
Zamurd Enterprise is an innovative team from Balochistan, led by Bilal Ahmed, Salal. Their project focuses on producing biodegradable plastic bags with an integrated expiry sensing mechanism. This unique solution not only promotes environmental conservation but also enhances food safety. Zamurd Enterprise launched their project as part of the Generation Unlimited Youth Challenge 3.0, with support from the National Incubation Center (NIC) at BUITEMS Quetta.
Zamurd Enterprise initially applied to the Generation Unlimited Youth Challenge 3.0, where they received a grant of PKR 175,000. With this funding, they successfully created prototypes of their biodegradable plastic bags with an integrated expiry sensing mechanism. Following this, they were selected for a global venture among 12 teams. As a result, they secured an additional grant of PKR 2.4 million from UNICEF in partnership with the School of Leadership Foundation. Between January 2023 and December 2023, the team used this grant to purchase the necessary machinery and begin large-scale production of their biodegradable plastic products.
Initiative:
The Red Code
Grant Winners:
Sara Farooq Khan, Sana Farooq Khan, and Mahin Usman
Brief Profile:
The Red Code is a youth-led initiative co-founded by Sara Farooq Khan, Sana Farooq Khan, and Mahin Usman, three young students from Karachi. Their project aims to tackle menstrual hygiene issues faced by women in low-income communities. By training these women to manufacture basic, reusable cloth pads, The Red Code promotes eco-friendly alternatives while empowering women to gain financial independence. This project, led by women for women, seeks to improve menstrual hygiene management in a sustainable and impactful way.
The Red Code successfully passed through all stages of the Generation Unlimited Youth Challenge (2018-19) and emerged as one of the top 5 winning teams out of 32 global competitors. As a result, they will receive seed funding of US$20,000 to scale their initiative. This funding will allow them to expand their efforts, reaching more women in low-income groups in Karachi and providing them with the skills and resources to improve their livelihoods. The team’s future plans include furthering their reach, increasing production, and continuing their focus on empowering women through self-reliance and sustainable practices.
The Red Code successfully passed through all stages of the Generation Unlimited Youth Challenge (2018-19) and emerged as one of the top 5 winning teams out of 32 global competitors. As a result, they will receive seed funding of US$20,000 to scale their initiative. This funding will allow them to expand their efforts, reaching more women in low-income groups in Karachi and providing them with the skills and resources to improve their livelihoods. The team’s future plans include furthering their reach, increasing production, and continuing their focus on empowering women through self-reliance and sustainable practices.