What We Do
SABAWON designs and implements community-centered development and humanitarian programs that improve living conditions and strengthen the resilience of marginalized populations. Its work focuses on addressing immediate needs while building the capacities of communities and institutions to sustain progress over time.
The organization operates across key sectors including Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH); health and nutrition; technical and vocational education and training, education; livelihoods and poverty reduction; food security; disaster preparedness and emergency response; and institutional development. Programs are grounded in participatory approach that engage communities in identifying priorities, shaping interventions, and monitoring results.
Special emphasis is placed on inclusion, with targeted efforts to support women, children, refugees, and other at-risk groups. SABAWON works to strengthen local systems, promote social cohesion, and improve access to essential services through practical, context-specific solutions.
By working in partnership with government bodies, donors, and national and international organizations, SABAWON delivers measurable, accountable interventions. Its programs are designed not only to respond to current challenges but also to support long-term social and economic development at the community and institutional levels.
Who We Are
SABAWON (Social Action Bureau for Assistance in Welfare and Organizational Networking) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization established in 1994 and registered under the Societies Act of 1860 in Pakistan. Headquartered in Peshawar, SABAWON has over three decades of experience working with marginalized and vulnerable communities across rural, urban, and semi-urban contexts.
SABAWON was founded with a clear purpose: to advance social justice, promote gender equality, and support inclusive, sustainable development. The organization works closely with communities to address structural inequalities that limit access to basic services, livelihoods, and opportunities. Its approach is rooted in participation, local ownership, and respect for human dignity.
Over the years, SABAWON has developed strong partnerships with government institutions, national and international NGOs, UN agencies, and development partners.
With a strong field presence and an experienced professional team, SABAWON combines community knowledge with technical expertise to deliver practical solutions that respond to local needs while contributing to long-term resilience and social change.
SABAWON vision is to bring socio economic development in rural and urban areas through participatory approach. It endeavors to empower local communities to pursue and attain their own developmental goals.
To contribute towards development of the local communities, with a focus on providing enabling environment to the marginalized and deprived groups to access and utilize social sector services.
Core Principles and Values
Community Ownership
We believe sustainable change begins with communities themselves. Sabawon works through participatory approaches that place community members at the center of planning, implementation, and decision-making, strengthening local ownership and long-term resilience.
Social Justice and Equity
Guided by a commitment to social justice, Sabawon prioritizes the needs and rights of marginalized and vulnerable populations. Our programs are designed to reduce inequalities and expand equitable access to essential services and opportunities.
Gender Equality and Inclusion
Sabawon is committed to advancing gender equality across all areas of its work. We actively promote the participation, leadership, and protection of marginalised communities especially women and children into the mainstream of development through improving their social and economic condition and status.
Accountability and Transparency
We uphold strong standards of accountability to communities, government, partners, and donors. Sabawon promotes transparent decision-making, responsible resource management, and open communication to ensure trust and integrity in all interventions.
Partnership and Collaboration
We value collaboration as a pathway to impact. Sabawon works closely with government institutions, civil society organizations, donors, and international partners to leverage collective expertise and strengthen development outcomes.
Human Dignity and
Do-No-Harm
All Sabawon interventions respect human dignity and are guided by conflict-sensitive and culturally appropriate approaches. Safeguarding, protection, and ethical conduct are integral to our operations.
Sustainability and Resilience
We focus on solutions that address immediate needs while building long-term resilience. Sabawon emphasizes institutional strengthening, capacity development, and environmentally friendly practices to ensure lasting impact.
Learning, Adaptation, and Evidence
Sabawon values continuous learning and improvement. We use evidence, field experience, and feedback mechanisms to adapt programs, improve quality, and respond effectively to changing contexts.
Meet Our Management
Our programs reflect a strong focus on community-centered solutions and strategic partnerships. Through collaborations with national, international and local partners, SABAWON has supported improved food systems, enhanced livelihood opportunities, social cohesion initiatives, and expanded access to essential services. Our sanitation and hygiene interventions have contributed to healthier environments, while our efforts in strengthening local health and institutional systems demonstrate our commitment to long-term, sustainable impact.
Partnership remains a cornerstone of our success. By working closely with donors, government institutions, and development partners including UNICEF, KfW, PPAF, Welthungerhilfe, WaterAid, GIZ, and other valued partners we continue to deliver effective interventions while fostering accountability, innovation, and growth. These alliances enable us not only to meet immediate needs but also to build pathways toward lasting community resilience.
Adaptability and learning are central to SABAWON’s approach. Whether responding to emergencies, integrating climate-smart practices, or adopting innovative tools and technologies, we strive to remain responsive to changing contexts while upholding the highest standards of transparency and impact.
I extend my heartfelt appreciation and acknowledgement to our donors, partners, and the dedicated SABAWON team for their continued trust and commitment. Most importantly, I acknowledge the strength and determination of the communities we serve. Their resilience inspires our work and reinforces our belief in the power of inclusive development.
Together, we will continue to foster hope, strengthen communities, and create sustainable change. SABAWON remains steadfast in its vision of a just, resilient, and equitable society for all.
Zulfiqar Sahab
It is with great pride and sincere gratitude that I share this message on behalf of SABAWON. Our journey continues to be shaped by resilience, learning, and meaningful progress as we work alongside communities, partners, and stakeholders to address pressing humanitarian and development challenges.
Across the world, evolving social, economic, and climate-related dynamics continue to test the strength of communities and institutions alike. These challenges reinforce the need for solidarity, innovation, and collective action. At SABAWON, we remain committed to responding to these realities by empowering vulnerable populations and promoting inclusive, sustainable development. Our work spans critical sectors including Water Sanitation, Climate Resilience, Social Protection, Infrastructure Development, Health, Education, Nutrition, Gender Inclusion, food security, livelihood development, and institutional capacity building each designed to strengthen resilience and improve quality of life.