Shaista Suhrawardy Ikramullah
Awards & Honours
0
Awards Won
4
Honours
3
Records
Shaista Suhrawardy Ikramullah's achievements were historic firsts that broke barriers for women in South Asia. She was the first female civil servant in Pakistan, the first Muslim woman to earn a PhD from the University of London, and one of the first female ambassadors in the Muslim world. Her role in shaping the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was a landmark contribution to international law. Her legacy is celebrated by organizations like the Women's National Commission for Relief and Integration, which honored her in 2025 as a trailblazing advocate for women's rights.
Honours & Distinctions
First female civil servant of Pakistan
Historic appointment breaking gender barriers in the civil service.
First Muslim woman to earn a PhD from University of London
Academic distinction for her doctoral work in Urdu literature.
Ambassador to Morocco
Groundbreaking diplomatic appointment for a woman.
UN Delegate and advocate for gender-inclusive language in UDHR
Contributed to the wording of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Records & Feats
First female civil servant of Pakistan
Joined the foreign service in 1948, becoming the first woman in Pakistan's civil service.
First Muslim woman to earn a PhD from the University of London
Earned a doctorate in Urdu literature, a first for a Muslim woman at that institution.
Advocate for gender-inclusive language in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Played a key role in ensuring the UDHR used inclusive language, a lasting contribution to international law.