The gathering underscored LADIESFUND’s
ongoing mission to empower women through
connection, access, and actionable support
Staff Reporter
Karachi: In a colorful and purpose-driven celebration, LADIESFUND hosted its 2nd Mango-Themed Eid Milan event in Karachi, uniting more than 75 notable personalities from across Pakistan’s diplomatic, corporate, media, development, fashion, and entertainment sectors. The gathering underscored LADIESFUND’s ongoing mission to empower women through connection, access, and actionable support. The event was held under a mango-inspired theme, with guests donning shades of yellow and orange to reflect seasonal joy and unity. More than just a social gathering, the celebration was designed to promote mental wellness and combat the isolation and depression exacerbated by extreme heat and social pressures—especially among youth and women.
Empowering Through Access and Connection
“This is officially an Eid Milan, but our community gathering is about building relationships between people who may not ordinarily meet and providing opportunities for them to work together,” said Tara Uzra Dawood, President, Dawood Global Foundation – LADIESFUND. “Women with dreams must have access to decision-makers and trends. It’s this access that makes LADIESFUND unique in its ability to uplift women from all socio-economic backgrounds.”
Fundraising for Educate a Girl
A key feature of the evening was a fundraising initiative for Educate a Girl, an acclaimed LADIESFUND project. Guests participated in a raffle draw for a limited-edition handbag designed by Deepak Perwani in honor of journalist Fifi Haroon, raising over Rs. 200,000. “We are at the LADIESFUND 2nd Mango-Themed Eid Milan, where Tara Uzra has been working for 15 years to support Educate a Girl,” said Deepak Perwani. “This fundraiser was a wonderful initiative and I hope efforts like this continue to grow stronger in Pakistan.” Designer Shamaeel Ansari added, “Philanthropy is very close to my heart, and I support Educate a Girl. Giving to LADIESFUND is something I believe in deeply.”
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
The Eid Milan brought together a wide range of participants including Deputy Head of Mission Andreas Wegner (German Consulate), Tariq Mustafa (Advisor to Governor Sindh), women SME owners, youth changemakers, and well-known public figures such as Jimmy Engineer, Dina Patel, Haseeb Khan, Khursheed Hyder, Sherezade Rahim, and many others. “This type of gathering encourages relationship-building, professional networking, mentoring, and the exchange of best practices,” noted one guest. “It’s essential not only for career development but also for personal growth.”
Culinary Delights and Festive Atmosphere
Guests enjoyed artisan mango ice cream provided by Igloo Pakistan, a variety of specialty teas from Vital Tea, and a custom mango-themed LADIESFUND cake by Aatikah Hussain’s Melted by A. Nighat Misbah’s Depilex served as the event’s official beauty partner. The celebration featured a raffle draw, prizes for Best Dressed and Best Dish, and a relaxed environment that encouraged mingling and connection across a wide range of industries.
Vision for the Future
In her closing remarks, Tara Uzra Dawood emphasized that LADIESFUND’s core strength lies in linking access with action. “We remain committed to community uplift—whether it’s training women entrepreneurs, distributing wheelchairs, installing solar lights, or building bamboo houses in remote areas like Dera Bugti and Lakki Marwat. Events like this are just one piece of a much larger vision.”
