MITHI: Ms Sana Siddique Rahimoon has been selected as the Rising Star for the wining of DRR Leadership Awards 2025 for her great contribution the disaster risk reduction, resilience and gender-responsive development. Ms Sana after reacting to her nomination said " I am honored to have been selected as a Rising Star Finalist for the winning the DRR Leadership Awards 2025, organized by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).
The winning of DRR (Women’s International Network for Disaster Risk Reduction) Leadership Awards was established to recognize and celebrate women leaders making significant contributions to disaster risk reduction, resilience, and gender-responsive development. The awards highlight innovation, leadership, and impact across the Asia-Pacific region.
"This year, the selection process was highly competitive: out of 200 applicants from 23 countries, only 7 finalists were chosen, and I am proud to be among them." My nomination reflects my work with the Sindh Flood Emergency Rehabilitation Project (SFERP), where we focus on inclusive, community-centered interventions, including: - Rehabilitation of flood-affected infrastructure - Gender-sensitive and resilient community development Inclusive livelihood support and economic empowerment " Establishment of Pakistan’s first Gender Desk in Rescue 1122 This recognition highlights the impact of SFERP’s work in building resilient and inclusive communities, and promoting positive social change. I hope it inspires further initiatives for women’s empowerment and community resilience across the region" she said.
She said that he would be honoured with that prestigious award on November 25 along with other recipients from other countries. Sana Parveen has made impactful contributions to DRR in Pakistan’s flood-affected Sindh through a community-driven and gender inclusive approach. Her work integrates disaster risk sensitivity into infrastructure, livelihood, and recovery programmes, centering women, marginalized populations, and other vulnerable communities. In her role as Social Safeguard & Resettlement Specialist and additional charge for Livelihood Specialist under the World Bank-funded Sindh Flood Emergency Rehabilitation Project, Parveen ensured that environmental and social safeguards were embedded in project design, bidding and contracts. This made DRR and gender inclusion enforceable requirements in the rehabilitation of roads, water supply and drainage schemes. Parveen, with support of PIU and World Bank teams, has designed and led inclusive Cash for Work schemes, supporting 139,000 individuals affected by floods, including the most vulnerable.
She pioneered a transparent payment system with mobile wallets, ensuring secure, rapid, and traceable digital payments for participants of the Cash for Work programme. This innovation minimized leakages and fostered trust among donors, communities, and stakeholders. Ms Rahimoon led initiatives such as kitchen gardening skill development – initiatives that were scaled up by the Government of Sindh through the Annual Development Programme to improve food security and income generation – essentially strengthening resilience in rural communities. Beyond her professional work, Parveen is also a passionate writer whose articles spotlight gender equality, climate change, water governance, and women’s inclusion in economic opportunities and decision-making processes.
Her writings have contributed to raising awareness and inspiring action on these intersecting issues at both community and institutional levels. Facing early marriage and limited educational opportunities, Parveen overcame personal challenges to pursue education and a career dedicated to empowering women and marginalized groups. To her, leadership is also about staying rooted in the realities communities face. Her experiences fuel her commitment to creating opportunities for those facing similar struggles. The former PPP Thari Senator Krishna Kumari Kolhi, Thari MPA Surendar Valasai and other people congratulated Ms Rahimmon on her nomination. They said that it was a matter of pride for them that a telected girl from Tharparkar had been nominated for such a prestigious award.