OWSD Pakistan: Members attended the Academic Leadership Development Workshop at The Aga Khan University

On May 2nd, 2026, members of the OWSD Pakistan National Chapter participated in the Academic Leadership Development Workshop for Graduate Students: Focus on Empowering HER at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi.

The workshop was organized by the Departments of Biological and Biomedical Sciences in collaboration with Continuing Professional Education at Aga Khan University.

The event speakers included a senior member of the OWSD PNC, Prof Zahra Hasan, who talked about "Developing Leadership Skills and Confidence". Prof.Saima Saleem, Secretary of OWSD PNC, facilitated a virtual session titled "Creating Opportunities for Female Academic Leadership" as part of the workshop. The OWSD PNC members who attended were Miss Syeda Zubia Naqvi (Events and Media Coordinator), Dr. Madiha Kanwal (Senior Member), Dr. Ume Kulsoom (Senior Member), and Ms. Nazia Hassan (PhD fellow).

The workshop featured several interactive activities. In one role-play exercise, participants were divided into groups and given a realistic situation. Each group had to collaboratively generate ideas and demonstrate communication and leadership skills to handle the situation — an activity designed to build confidence. Participants also conducted a SWOT analysis at both the individual and institutional levels to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The session further emphasized the importance of mentorship and networking, highlighting how these are essential for career growth and for fostering a supportive academic environment.

The chapter remains committed to empowering women in STEM through leadership development and collaborative learning opportunities.