Deployed as a Junior Patrol Officer at the National Highways and Motorway Police, TCF alumna Iram is the first woman in her village to work in a field generally considered unconventional for women. Hailing from Mianwali, Iram is the eldest of her two sisters who faced severe criticism from her community and her own father for continuing her education. Despite the roadblocks, Iram surfaced through these challenges with the unflinching support of her mother. Today, her father proudly introduces his daughter donned in her uniform who is inspiring girls in her community.

The first girl in her family to pursue tertiary education, TCF alumna Hina recently graduated from the Institute of Business Management (IoBM). Growing up, Hina didn’t receive much support from her family and had several restrictions but with her mother’s support, she was able to stay determined towards her goals. Today, Hina’s father has proudly framed her degree on their wall, and supports the education of his younger daughters.

Married at the age of 10, Shaheen from Keti Bander, struggled for her right to continue her education despite extreme pressure from her family and community. With support from her principal Ms. Farzana, Shaheen found the strength to go against the norm and continue her education. Today, Shaheen is teaching at the same school where she studied from and helping many other girls like her continue their education in her village.

When her father lost his source of income during the Covid-19 lockdown, TCF College student Fiza Tariq was married off to ease some financial pressure. After marriage, Fiza was not getting permission from her in-laws to continue her education. Instead of giving up and conforming to the norm, Fiza sought to convince her in-laws. With support from her teacher Ms. Zainab, Fiza won her right to continue her education and pursue her dreams.

TCF Alumna Zaitoon Kareem fought against all odds to pursue her dreams. Zaitoon grew up in Bhittaiabad, a low-income settlement in Karachi. Making ends meet was a struggle for the family. While Zaitoon was eager to learn, her father was not very keen on sending her to school. But an all-female faculty and a nominal fee helped Zaitoon convince him to let her study. Today, Zaitoon is pursuing a PhD in Literature and is a Lecturer at the Balochistan Residential College.