‘Women's insights vital for social, economic development’


IV Report

KARACHI: Speakers at a seminar titled "Women in Leadership: Summit for Excellence" emphasised the importance of valuing women's insights in the decision-making process to achieve meaningful social and economic development in the country.

The event, organised by the University of Karachi's Dr A Q Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering in collaboration with the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) Pakistan Chapter and the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, featured dignitaries including KU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi and MNA Syeda Shehla Raza.

Prof Dr Iraqi noted that women's representation in decision-making institutions is less than 10 percent, and stressed the need for providing opportunities without gender discrimination. "Our society hardly values advice given by women and does not bother to follow them," he added.

Dr Iraqi further emphasised that in any society, political, social, and economic changes and development require that women have the autonomy to make their own decisions. He believed that parents played a key role in providing opportunities without gender discrimination, which is essential for social and economic progress.

MNA Syeda Shehla Raza shared that the first opposition women face often comes from their immediate surroundings, stressing that overcoming the first circle may enable women to tackle external challenges. She expressed the view that girls and women need to be aware of their rights. "We should avoid making one-sided decisions without listening to affected girls or women," she said.

OWSD Pakistan Secretary Professor Dr Saima Saleem informed the attendees that the summit celebrates the contributions, achievements, and aspirations of women leaders across diverse fields. "It also provides a platform for dialogue on leadership challenges and opportunities while highlighting the importance of inclusivity, mentorship, and empowerment."

The Director of the Centre for Excellence for International Collaboration at Hamdard University Professor Dr Ahsana Dar Farooq delivered a keynote address, highlighting the importance of women's leadership in various sectors.

Video messages from the Rector of Millennium Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship Professor Dr Huma Baqai and the Associate Director of Office of International Studies in Education, Michigan State University Dr Julie Sinclair, were also played.

A panel discussion featuring women professionals and academicians, including Professor Bina S Siddiqui, Professor Ahsana Dar Farooq, Syeda Shehla Raza, Professor Dr Erum Khan, Professor Dr Shaista Tabassum, Professor Najma Patel, and Dr Nosheen Raza Khan, who shared their success stories, with inspiring narratives of resilience and leadership, offering valuable insights to the audience.

The speakers emphasised the need for creating an environment where women can freely contribute to society's development. They stressed that Pakistan has yet to create such an environment, and that it is essential to provide opportunities without gender discrimination to achieve social and economic progress.



  

With an uninterrupted 23-year career in daily journalism (1991-2013), the author/editor of this blog currently serves as Editor of Social Track, a weekly newspaper focused on social sectors, based in Karachi. Holding a master's degree in Mass Communications from the University of Karachi (1990), his professional experience includes roles as senior reporter at Daily Dawn, Karachi (May 2001-August 2013) and Chief Reporter at The News International, Karachi (April 1991-May 2001). He has a strong background in development journalism, he has an extensive portfolio of news stories, analytical reports and features covering a wide range of sectors. He has had the privilege of covering numerous high-profile figures, including Pakistani presidents, prime ministers, army chiefs, foreign dignitaries, and VVIPs and attending conferences and workshops abroad. He began his journalism career in the early 1980s. Throughout his career, he has received several national awards from government and private organisations. He has contributed to various radio and TV/channel broadcasts and has also served as a trainer at workshops in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, focused on training journalists.

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