History

A Women Development Cell was established in the Planning & Development Department, Government of Sindh in 1979. The objective of this cell was to address women's issues through  an institutionalized system in planning and development of Sindh.

In 1995 a separate Women Development Department was formed with a broader scope than the previously established cell within the P&D Department. However in 1998 the Department was merged with the Social Welfare Department at the secretariat level. In 2001 the Directorate of Women Development was abolished and a Women Development Wing was established under Directorate of Social Welfare. It was later put under the control of Population Welfare Department.

In 2003 a separate Women Development Department was re-established with a strong mandate focused towards women's empowerment and gender equality.Directorate of Women Development became functional at Karachi under the umbrella of Women Development.