Dolly Hope Foundation
Our Mission
Empowering women through skill
development, mentorship, and support,
enabling them to achieve their goals, lead with
confidence, and shape a future where every
woman thrives and contributes to a more
equitable society
Who we are
The Dolly Hope Foundation was created to honor the legacy of Daulat “Dolly” Saju, whose grassroots activism laid the groundwork for empowering women across South Asia. Drawing from this foundation, we work to advance women’s independence in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.
Our presence in Hunza, Gilgit, and Ghizer reflects a deep commitment to locally rooted, culturally informed approaches. We prioritize access over charity by investing in programs that help women build income, confidence, and long-term stability.
From establishing skill-based training centres to providing educational scholarships for youth, The Dolly Hope Foundation is committed to fostering inclusive and sustainable development. Our first initiative, the Dolly Hope Training Centre, opening in 2026, will offer vocational programs in cosmetology, language learning, handicrafts, and food preservation—empowering both women and men with the skills to build independent livelihoods. Each project is developed in close collaboration with local partners to ensure lasting, community-driven impact. We believe that when individuals are equipped to lead, their communities prosper with them.
Core Values
Empowerment
•
Education
•
Equity
•
Empowerment • Education • Equity •
What do we do
Training Center
Opening in 2026, the Centre will provide vocational training in cosmetology, language learning, handicrafts, and food preservation to equip women and men with skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
Scholarships
Annual scholarships will support students from kindergarten to grade 12 in continuing their education and pursuing future academic and career opportunities.
A Word From Our Founder
“From my mother, Dolly, I learned that true generosity is quiet, grounded in attentive listening before any action is taken. My father, Sherali, showed me that vision without discipline is just a wish. Dolly Hope Foundation is my attempt to braid those lessons together.
We begin by asking women what progress looks like in their own words, on their own timelines. Then we stand beside them with practical tools: a pair of shears, a sturdy cow, a micro-loan small enough to succeed and big enough to matter.
If you choose to walk with us, know that every step is guided by local voices, measured by shared accountability, and powered by a belief I learned at home: that when women rise, entire valleys rise with them.”
- Yasmin Shariff