OWSD Pakistan: She Thrives in Balance and Beyond: Women Empowerment in STEAM - Navigating Life with Strength and Self-awareness

The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) Pakistan National Chapter, in collaboration with Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS), organised “She Thrives in Balance and Beyond: Women Empowerment in STEAM – Navigating Life with Strength and Self-Awareness,” at Dr. A. Q. Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE), University of Karachi. The program, held on December 01, 2025, focused on women’s mental well-being, self-awareness, and professional empowerment within STEAM fields.

The event opened with the recitation of the Holy Quran and the national anthem. The OWSD Pakistan National Chapter and its mission were introduced to the participants. Prof. Dr. Anila Amber Malik, professor at Department of Psychology, University of Karachi delivered the first plenary lecture. Her lecture focused on “Beyond Resilience: Women's Mental Empowerment and Sustainability for a Thriving World”, engaging the audience with insightful perspectives. The lecture was followed by a virtual speaker Dr. Julie Sinclair, who is serving as an Associate Director, Office of International Studies in Education, Michigan State University, USA and also as the Vice President for Scholarship and Institutional Strategy on the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers Board of Directors. Dr. Sinclair talked about “Bringing Mentoring and Leadership for Women In STEAM Full Circle”. A panel discussion based on the theme "From Strength to Sustainability, Women's Mental Empowerment in a Changing World" followed the insightful lectures. The panelist included:

• Prof. Ahsana Dar Farooq - Director of the Centre of Excellence for International Education, Hamdard University
• Prof. Anila Amber Malik – Former chairperson, Department of Psychology
• Prof. Zahra Hasan - Gulamali Hirji endowed Professor at the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University
• Prof. Yasira Naeem Pasha - Dean Faculty of Architecture & Planning and Civil Engineering at Dawood University of Engineering and Technology
• Prof. Saima Akhtar - Chairperson at the Department of Public Administration and as the in-charge of the Directorate of Admissions, University of Karachi.
• Prof. Nadia Ayub - Dean at College of Economics and Social Development, Institute of Business Management and Regional Member of OWSD Asia-Pacific on the executive board of the OWSD.

The panelists shared professional insights on self-awareness, academic pressure, institutional responsibilities, and the evolving expectations for women in scientific and academic leadership roles. Pre- and post-assessments were conducted to assess the understanding of the participants.

The second plenary lecture was presented by Prof. Dr Iqbal Afridi (T.I.), who spoke on “Navigating the Current Socioeconomic Dilemma through Robust Role of Women”. Prof. Afridi highlighted the psychological dimensions of stress, emotional balance, and well-being for young girls and women in every aspect of life. The keynote session was followed by a final virtual lecture by Prof. Huma Baqai, "Rector of Millennium Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship". Prof. Baqai discussed “Women, Power and Possibility in a Fragmented Country”.

At the end, a video displaying glimpses of all the activities conducted by the OWSD Pakistan National Chapter was shown to the attendees. The program concluded with the distribution of shields and OWSD pin recognition. Prof. Bilquees Gul, Dean Faculty of Science, University of Karachi and Prof. Khali Mahmood Iraqi, Vice-Chancellor University of Karachi, presented their addresses and concluding remarks. The event concluded with a group photograph and lunch.

OWSD Pakistan National Chapter reaffirmed its commitment to fostering supportive environments where women in STEAM can thrive with balance, strength, and self-awareness. The participants left with a better understanding of navigating every aspect of their life with self-care, balance, resilience and motivation.