By Musarrat Arif
KARACHI: The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Karachi, Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, highlighted the urgent need for equal rights and workplace protection for women during a special ceremony at the Dr A. Q. Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE).
The event, organized in collaboration with OWSD Pakistan National Chapter and the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, paid tribute to women working to advance empowerment in the country. Titled “She Thrives in Balance and Beyond: Women Empowerment in STEAM—Navigating Life with Strength and Self-awareness,” the ceremony was held at KIBGE’s Jinnah Auditorium on Monday.
Addressing the audience, Professor Iraqi said the discussion was particularly significant in Pakistan, where society continues to fail in guaranteeing women equal rights. He stressed that protection for women in workplaces remained inadequate, despite existing legislation against harassment and the office of the Women Ombudsperson.
“Even when cases are reported, the law has so far failed to fully protect countless individuals,” Professor Iraqi said. He underscored the responsibility of educational institutions to empower women and provide them greater freedom. He highlighted that women, who simultaneously manage professional, household, and family responsibilities, must be strengthened to play their full role in society and decision-making.
Iraqi said that as KU VC, he had tried to ensure equal opportunities for men and women alike, adding that opportunities should be determined by ability, determination, and commitment, rather than gender. He noted that nations that progress successfully are those that embrace equality.
The Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Dr Bilqees Gul, lauded the women present, describing them as confident and empowered leaders in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). She emphasized that behind every discovery and advancement lies a human story of perseverance, courage, and belief in one’s purpose.
For many women, she said, this journey is complicated by societal expectations and professional challenges. Professor Gul added that strong and successful women maintain balance across work, family, and personal well-being, while going beyond limits to achieve remarkable accomplishments.
“When women advance, science progresses; when women rise, societies rise. And when women lead with balance and self-awareness, they redefine the true meaning of development,” she said. She encouraged young women to pursue their aspirations with honesty, consistency, and perseverance, stressing that the future of women in STEAM fields is not only promising but profoundly transformative.
Earlier, a panel discussion featured distinguished speakers including Professor Bina Siddiqui, Professor Nadia Ayub, Professor Ahsana Dar Farooq, Professor Yasira Naeem Pasha, Professor Dr Anila Amber Malik, and Professor Dr Saima Akhter, who shared insights on women’s mental empowerment in a changing world. Additional addresses were made by Professor Dr Huma Baqai, Professor Dr Iqbal Afridi, Dr Julie Sinclair, and other experts.
