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 launching skill-based learning centres to supporting women through livestock ownership and interest-free microloans, our initiatives are designed to be practical, replicable, and community-driven. Every project is developed in consultation with local partners and beneficiaries, ensuring that our impact is both respectful and lasting. We believe that when women have the tools to lead, entire communities rise with them.
Core Values
Empowerment
•
Education
•
Equity
•
Empowerment • Education • Equity •
What do we do
Microloans
We wil offer interest-free microloans to women in underserved communities, empowering them to start or expand small businesses and achieve financial independence
Providing Livestock
By providing livestock such as goats and chickens, we will be supporting women-led households in generating steady income and improving household nutrition.
Learning Centre
Our vocational training centre will provide hands-on education in hairstyling and grooming, equipping women with in-demand skills for sustainable employment
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