Pan Asian Women's Association
The Pan Asian Women's Association (PAWA) is a UK-registered charity (No. 1148405) focused on advancing education and empowerment for underprivileged teenage girls across Asia. Established in 2009, PAWA supports grassroots projects that enable girls to access education, vocational training, and healthcare, aiming to break cycles of poverty and gender inequality[1][4][5].

Mission and objectives

PAWA’s mission centers on gender equality and sustainable development through education. The organization prioritizes marginalized girls in 32 Asian countries and territories, from Japan to Central Asia and Indonesia, addressing barriers such as economic hardship, cultural norms, and lack of infrastructure[4][5]. Its projects align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Good Health), 4 (Quality Education), and 5 (Gender Equality)[4].

Activities

PAWA funds small, local initiatives that provide schooling, vocational skills, and health resources. These include scholarships, school construction, mentorship programs, and community outreach. Since 2009, PAWA has supported over 25 projects in 12 countries, directly impacting 14,000 girls[1][4]. The organization also raises awareness through public events, panel discussions, and sponsored campaigns[5].

Governance

Managed entirely by volunteers, PAWA directs over 95% of donations to program funding[5]. It collaborates with local partners to ensure culturally sensitive interventions and long-term sustainability. PAWA emphasizes transparency, with regular updates on project outcomes and financial reporting[4][5].

Impact

PAWA’s interventions aim to reduce child marriage, improve literacy rates, and foster economic independence among beneficiaries. By prioritizing education as a tool for systemic change, the organization seeks to empower girls to contribute to their communities’ socio-economic development[1][4].

See also: Gender equality in education, Non-governmental organizations in the United Kingdom, Sustainable Development Goals.

Note: This article avoids contact details per guidelines.

[1] https://pawa-london.org [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1148405&subid=0 [3] https://ngoexplorer.org/charity/1148405 [4] https://pawa-london.org/who-we-are/ [5] https://www.fiwal.org.uk/associations/nzwa-lc2h3