Today, we are sharing with you an inspiring story of a phenomenal woman who is our alumna of Legislative Fellowship Program (LFP) 2012. Under our ‘Celebrations of 75 Years of U.S.-Pak Bilateral Ties’, meet Dr. Rakhshinda Perveen who has been always driven by a desire to leave a legacy through her work. Her enthusiasm didn’t die even when the coronavirus pandemic caused substantial demotion to her. This is because Rakhshinda’s approach is always like a climber who doesn’t see the peak of the mountain but knows it is there, still wrapped in the clouds, and all she needs to do is keep going.
Dr. Rakhshinda always wanted to cultivate something that holds up over time and help her earn the legacy she always wished for. Therefore, she founded an award-winning social entrepreneurship enabler “Kafe Kaam” in 2016. The organization is first of its kind, dedicated to rising entrepreneurs, with a special focus on empowering women (single, divorced, single mothers), trans-individuals and individuals with disabilities. It was time when businesses were experiencing devastating financial consequences from the pandemic that Rakhshinda decided to digitize her entity.
Being a former TV anchor and producer working with traditional formats, it was not easy for Rakhshinda to reimagine the role of technology using laptop and mobile phone. It is at this time of her career that the expanded network she built during her exchange program helped her a lot. She created an inventory of 500 people, mostly women, who were achievers in any field or were heading towards that way and contacted them. This is how Kafe Kaam was digitized in 2021 and a You Tube Channel “Kafe Kaam” became functional. A journey which was not easy financially as well as physically and emotionally. The channel has so far featured over 100 Duty Queens from 30 disciplines besides having informed policy dialogues on complex issues like taxation and difficult ones like 1971. Out of more than 100 women that “Kafe Kaam” has showcased, 75 % of them are exchange programs alumni and Fulbright Scholars (men included). “America! I love your knowledge, economy, and sense of freedom,” says Dr. Rakhshinda.
Dr. Rakhshinda always uses her strength to advocate for changes in communities on an economic, social, and political level. Hence, she never opted for viral videos; infact, she produced archival ones for the serious students of social development, peace and security, feminism, gender & inclusion, and history.
Dr. Rakhshinda’s work is her passion, her joy. May she continue to be the beacon of light for people far and wide.
