The role of women in many developing countries has traditionally been understood as that of a passive receiver of repression or services. Fouzia Saeed’s research findings challenge this view. At this event, Dr. Saeed will share the outcome of her work during her time as the Wilson Center’s 2014-15 Pakistan Scholar. She has studied four different movements where Pakistani women played an active role and successfully brought about changes in policies, legislation, and institutions. Dr. Saeed’s study documents how women exercise collective agency by creating success in movements toward objectives of their own choosing, and how women have the potential to influence national policy and institutions.