OWSD Pakistan: Trailblazing in STEM: A Journey of Leadership and Legacy

November 22, 2024

The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) – Pakistan National Chapter, in collaboration with Fatima Jinnah Women University, successfully hosted an inspiring summit titled "Trailblazing the STEM: A Journey of Leadership and Legacy" on November 22, 2024.

The event celebrated the remarkable achievements of women in STEM while motivating the next generation of students to pursue impactful careers in these fields. The summit featured a dynamic panel discussion with esteemed STEM leaders, including Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza (PoP, T.I.), Vice Chancellor of Fatima Jinnah Women University and executive council member of OWSD Pakistan National Chapter; Prof. Dr. Bina S. Siddiqui (S.I., T.I.) President of OWSD Pakistan National Chapter and an HEC distinguished national professor; Prof. Dr. Azra Khanum (T.I.), Vice president of OWSD and Ex-Dean Faculty of Science, PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi; Prof. Dr. Farida Tahir, Professor of Physics, COMSATS; and Prof. Dr. Sitwat Zehra, Treasurer of OWSD Pakistan National Chapter and Professor at Dr. A. Q. Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE), University of Karachi. The session was moderated by Prof. Dr. Saima Saleem, Secretary OWSD Pakistan National Chapter. Panelists shared their inspiring journeys, strategies for overcoming gender barriers, and insights into building successful careers in STEM.

An interactive exhibition wall honored influential women in STEM, showcasing their legacies and contributions. Outstanding students from the Departments of Biotechnology, Environmental Sciences, Software Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Sciences also shared their journeys, inspiring their peers through personal experiences. A special highlight of the summit was a video featuring the university faculty’s achievements, with faculty members sharing their groundbreaking research, prestigious awards, and innovative teaching methods. This event was a resounding success, celebrating leadership, legacy, and innovation while inspiring students to excel in STEM disciplines.

The event equipped students with the confidence to pursue impactful careers in STEM. Prof. Bushra Mirza concluded the session while Prof. Saima Saleem delivered a vote of thanks which was followed by lunch.