Saba is a researcher and practitioner from Pakistan with over a decade of experience in education in poverty struck contexts. She is currently a Research Analyst at Unbounded Associates and a consultant with a local not-for-profit in Pakistan.
In her career, Saba has coordinated various research and advocacy projects to promote equal treatment for women and marginalised groups in Pakistan and East Africa. She has led FCDO’s (Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office) largest and award-winning programme on improving the lives of 36,000 girls and women in South Punjab through livelihoods, bridge education and life skills. She has been the lead researcher in a review of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in education in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa; authored policy notes on the quality of schools and teacher effectiveness; and been a lead researcher in a review of the political economy of education systems in Pakistan.
She is currently managing a high-level Research Forum (an initiative of the Moving Minds Alliance), that aims to amplify voices to drive change and equality for those affected by war, conflict, and calamities. In 2021, she won the prestigious Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report Fellowship for her work with families and caregivers in supporting the needs of their young children during school closures.
Saba has a BA in Economics from Kinnaird College in Women University and MA in Public Policy and Governance from Forman Christian College University.
Despite the current unequal gendered structures, I am optimistic for a future in which we can shift narratives, overcome inequalities, and collectively work towards equality. There may not be an immediate fix for the challenges facing women and vulnerable communities, however, I believe in the power of collective will and standing up for your rights to build strong foundations for a society that is more inclusive, equal, and secure.Saba Saeed