OWSD Pakistan - OncoSafe 2025: Women, Wellness, and Willpower – An Insight from Cancer Survivors of University of Karachi

The OWSD - Pakistan National Chapter, in collaboration with the Dr. A.Q. Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE), University of Karachi, organized organized OncoSafe 2025 – Women, Wellness, and Willpower: An Insight from Cancer Survivors of University of Karachi on October 21, 2025.

OncoSafe is an annual awareness initiative launched in 2024 by the OWSD Pakistan National Chapter and KIBGE to promote cancer awareness, women’s health, and wellness through interactive and educational sessions. This year’s event featured a panel discussion on journey of cancer survivors and their mental well-being, bringing together cancer survivors, who are also faculty members of the University of Karachi, to highlight women’s strength, resilience, and willpower.

The event opened with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the Pakistan national anthem. A video that showcased OWSD Pakistan’s impactful initiatives over the years in advancing women’s participation and leadership in science was also shared with the audience.

The panel discussion featuring cancer survivors from the University of Karachi community was moderated by the esteemed faculty members of KIBGE, Dr. Asma Ansari and Dr. Sehrish Fatima. The President of OWSD Pakistan National Chapter, Prof. Dr. Bina S. Siddiqui (S.I., T.I.) chaired the session along with the chief guest Prof. Dr. Musarrat Jahan (Dean, Faculty of Science). Addressing the audience, Prof. Dr. Bina Shaheen Siddiqui highlighted the significance of “Pinktober” in global breast cancer awareness and encouraged women to prioritise regular screenings and health checkups, while Prof. Musarrat Jahan highlighted the scientific aspects of breast, cervical and other types of cancers.

The panelists included:

• Prof. Dr. Farah Iqbal (Chairperson, Department of Psychology) – spoke on the psychological aspects of battling cancer and the importance of maintaining mental well-being through the healing journey. She also reflected on her personal journey in fighting cancer.
• Prof. Dr. Asmat Saleem (Professor, Dr. Panjwani Centre for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), ICCBS) – emphasized the critical role of family and colleagues’ support, and reflected on advances such as stem cell diagnosis and immunotherapy.
• Prof. Dr. Naheed Perveen (Chairperson, Department of Sindhi) – shared her inspiring story of perseverance following her husband’s passing and her own brain tumour diagnosis, underscoring the power of courage and faith, and the will to live for her children.
• Dr. Nuzhat Hassan (Department of Political Science) – recounted her journey from diagnosis through the after-effects of treatment, inspiring others with her message of hope and self-belief.
• Dr. Shumaila Samad Khan  (Lecturer, Department of Biotechnology) – shared her experience of undergoing treatment during pregnancy and emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, follow-ups, and awareness programs.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Prof. Dr. Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, Vice-Chancellor University of Karachi. A vote of thanks was delivered by Prof. Dr. Saima Saleem, Secretary, OWSD Pakistan National Chapter. Recognition pins and tokens of appreciation were also presented to guests and panelists.

The session concluded with a unifying message that self-motivation, self-love, and hope are the most powerful tools in conquering cancer, and that such initiatives strengthen collective awareness and compassion within the scientific and social community.