Profile

Full Name

Ayesha Ijaz

Profile Brief

Ayesha is a psychologist, writer, a mental health advocate and an animal rights activist. She is currently enrolled in her Masters degree program to specialise in Clinical psychology and professional counselling. She has worked closely as an intern with children with special needs in Army special education academy, Rawalpindi and has designed several learning activities for children in her term. She has also served as an intern at the Fauji Foundation hospital and dealt with several cases independently. She has also conducted positive wellbeing and safety sessions in small, local schools of Rawalpindi. Ayesha has been among the top 20 finalists for the SDG 16 challenge initiated by UNDP Pakistan and The Accountability lab. She has also been a part of several trainings including one on Harm reduction and drug policies in Pakistan, conducted by da Hawwa lur. She further introduced the new concept of Harm reduction within her community. Ayesha has also been a part of Salamti Fellowship Cohort II. She has also volunteered for various environmental projects, plantation drives and social welfare activities.

Reading philosophy, religion and spirituality and astronomy since childhood, Ayesha has developed deep interest in the respective areas and she continues to write poetry, especially thematic to social issues and mental health dilemmas. Ayesha has also been a part of a small reading circle within her community that has helped her improve her reading and reflective skills.

Ayesha believes that literature, arts and music are major elements of a society that can help peace prevail. She regularly writes and has also narrated her poems in university events in order to create suicide awareness. She aims to further expand her work and create a support group for people with PTSD and those who have been directly or indirectly affected by trauma. Ayesha plans to work as a peace agent by promoting the idea of self peace and well being for a more tolerant and peaceful society.