The Razia Mahsood Development Foundation (RMDF) is a women-led, non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering marginalised communities across Pakistan, with a strong focus on the tribal and underserved regions of South and North Waziristan, Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat, and surrounding areas. Established on 10 November 2021 by Razia Mehsood, the first female journalist from South Waziristan, RMDF was founded on the belief that sustainable development is only possible when women, youth, and local communities are given equal opportunities to learn, lead, and thrive.
RMDF holds the distinction of being the first female-led organisation in South Waziristan, a milestone that reflects courage, resilience, and a commitment to breaking long-standing social barriers. Our team comes from the communities we serve, and our work is grounded in community trust, cultural understanding, and a rights-based approach to development that places people, not projects, at the centre of change.
Our Vision
We envision a socially just and economically empowered society in which women, youth, and marginalised communities are active contributors to development. RMDF strives for a future where every girl has access to education, every woman has the opportunity to earn with dignity, and every young person is equipped with the skills to shape a better tomorrow.
Our Mission
RMDF’s mission is to transform lives in underserved and conflict-affected regions of Pakistan by advancing education, gender equality, economic empowerment, access to healthcare, digital inclusion, and climate resilience. Through innovative, inclusive, and community-driven initiatives, we work to reduce inequalities and build pathways toward long-term self-reliance.
What We Do
RMDF operates through a multi-sectoral approach that addresses both immediate needs and long-term development challenges.
Education and Skills Development
We promote inclusive and quality education by supporting schools, distributing learning materials, conducting education seminars, and providing scholarships to deserving students, including landmine survivors and children from vulnerable families. Our skills-based training programmes, including digital literacy, freelancing, fashion design, beautician courses, and media skills, equip women and youth with market-relevant skills.
Women and Youth Empowerment
Empowering women and youth is at the core of RMDF’s work. We create safe spaces for learning, leadership, and self-expression through capacity-building workshops, awareness sessions, and mentorship programmes. By encouraging women’s participation in community decision-making and youth engagement in civic life, we nurture confident leaders and changemakers.
Healthcare and Social Well-Being
RMDF works to improve health outcomes through awareness campaigns, medical camps, maternal and child health sessions, hygiene education, and immunisation support. Special attention is given to mental health, disability inclusion, and the dignity of persons with special needs through targeted assistance and mobility support.
Economic Empowerment and Livelihoods
To reduce poverty and economic vulnerability, RMDF supports sustainable livelihoods through entrepreneurship development, promotion of local handicrafts, beekeeping, organic farming, and home-based businesses. By linking local producers, especially women, to markets and exhibitions, we help transform skills into income-generating opportunities.
Advocacy, Research, and Digital Storytelling
RMDF believes that lasting change requires strong voices. Through digital journalism, advocacy, research, and strategic communication, we challenge harmful norms, highlight community issues, and amplify the voices of women, youth, and marginalised groups at local and national levels.
Climate Action and Community Resilience
Environmental sustainability is integral to our mission. RMDF engages communities in climate awareness, tree plantation drives, water conservation, and disaster risk reduction to strengthen resilience and protect natural resources for future generations.
Our Impact So Far
- 1,578+ children reached with life skills sessions in South Waziristan
- 200+ women and girls trained in digital and vocational skills
- 300+ students supported with education assistance
- 1,000+ community members reached through health and awareness campaigns
Our Partners
We work with UNICEF, WWF, Recharge Pakistan, the Directorate of Youth Affairs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the District Youth Offices of South Waziristan Upper, South Waziristan Lower and Dera Ismail Khan, District Administration South Waziristan, and IGFC South.
Our Values
Strong organisational values, including transparency, accountability, gender equality, community participation, and partnership, guide RMDF’s work. We maintain clear governance structures, responsible financial management, and continuous monitoring to ensure integrity and measurable impact.
Leadership (Executive Body)
| Name | Designation |
|---|---|
| Ms. Razia Mehsood | Founder & Chairperson |
| Ms. Rani Mehsood | Vice-President |
| Muhammad Nauman Atlas | General Secretary |
| Saud Khan | Joint Secretary |
| Muhammad Kamran Atlas | Finance Secretary |
| Muhammad Suleman Atlas | Press Secretary |
| Abdul Qayum | Coordination Secretary |
Legal Status and Accountability
RMDF is registered with the Directorate of Social Welfare, Special Education and Women Empowerment (Merged Areas), Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, under the Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies (Registration and Control) Ordinance, 1961 (XLVI of 1961), Reg. No. DSW/MAs/278, dated 10 November 2021. RMDF also holds FBR NTN A966702 and is registered with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Charitable Commission (Reg. No. KP-3463225272874781, renewal applied). View our registration documents.
RMDF’s accounts are audited annually by independent chartered accountants. Our audited financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2026 were prepared by Muhammad Ishaq & Co., Chartered Accountants, Islamabad. Copies are available on request at info@rmdfpk.org.
Our Commitment
RMDF is governed by an experienced leadership team with a deep understanding of grassroots development. We collaborate closely with government departments, civil society organisations, donors, and community stakeholders to maximise impact and sustainability.
At RMDF, we believe that real development begins when communities lead their own progress. Every initiative we undertake reflects our commitment to dignity, inclusion, and long-term change. With the continued support of partners, donors, and communities, RMDF remains dedicated to building a future where opportunity is not defined by geography or gender but by potential.
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