Nafis Sadik, a Pakistani doctor who made significant contributions to the health of women and children around the world and was the first woman to lead one of the United Nation's most important programmes supported by private donations. Sadik passed away on Sunday, four days before her 93rd birthday at her home in New York.
Sadik was also United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA's) executive director. She worked as a special advisor to the UN secretary-general after leaving the UNPF in 2000. Sadik was a "proud champion of choice and relentless advocate for women's health, rights, and empowerment," according to Dr. Natalia Kanem, the current executive director of the United Nations Population Fund. Many other people who were her admirers and fans have also expressed their grief and paid tribute to her.
Nafis Sadik Death: Twitter Pays Tribute
- Fareha Bugti wrote, " Condolences to the family of Dr.Nafis Sadik marks - a sad day for #Pakistan on losing one of its brightest women pioneer multilateralist & a passionate advocate of women involvement in development. Rest in power Dr."
- Maleeha Lodhi wrote, "Very sad to hear Nafis Sadik has passed away in New York. She was a passionate advocate of women's rights, the first Pakistani to head a UN agency as Executive Director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) with the rank of Under-Secretary-General. She will be missed. RIP"
- Aamir Ghauri wrote, "Saddened to hear about the demise of Nafis Sadik, the first Pakistani to head a UN agency - UNFPA - and a special advisor to UNSG. I remember her tigress-like Hard Talk interview with one of BBC’s bloodhounds - Tim Sebastian. She tamed him well with her knowledge of the subject."
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- Saskia Schellekens wrote, "🙏R.I.P. Dr. Nafis Sadik!💫 How privileged I was to once meet the #ICPD architect at the 2013 ICPD20 Human Rights conference, leaving an unforgettable impression of eloquence, elegance & visionary leadership. Today ICPD remains our roadmap to achieve #RightsAndChoicesForAll"
- Andrea M. Wojnar wrote, " Rest in peace Nafis Sadik. Your legacy as a pioneer to improve the lives of women and girls across the world by ensuring their sexual and reproductive health and rights will live on."
- Tahir Andrabi wrote, "RIP Dr Nafis Sadik - an icon of women’s right, health and empowerment is no more. Condolences to the family & friends. Prayers for the departed soul."