Islamabad, The International Islamic University (IIUI) recently wrapped up a three-day international conference centered around enhancing the roles of women in academic leadership. Titled “Less Talk More Action: Changing the Course of Women’s Academic Leadership,” the event was held at the Allama Iqbal Auditorium, Faisal Masjid Campus of IIUI. Organized by the LCF project team led by Dr. Samina Malik, Rector of IIUI, and Dr. Asma Mansoor of the Department of English, the conference was held in association with the Higher Education Commission Pakistan (HEC).
According to a news release by International Islamic University Islamabad, Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza (Tamgha-i-Imtiaz and Pride of Performance) and Prof. Dr. Haroona Jatoi, an affiliate of the Harvard University, Graduate School of Education, graced the event as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively.
The conference falls under the umbrella of the “Shattering the Glass Ceiling: Challenges and Opportunities for Women Academic Leaders in Pakistani Universities” project, funded by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan and spearheaded by Dr. Samina Malik and Dr. Asma Mansoor.
In her closing address, Prof. Malik emphasized the importance of initiatives like this in creating a more secure and inclusive academic realm for women. She also highlighted the origins of the project and praised the contributions of her team, including Dr. Fatima Maqsood, Dr. Fatima Alvi, Dr. Saima Yasmeen, and many more. Special appreciation was extended to the Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, for its partnership and support throughout the project.
Dr. Asma Mansoor, during her overview of the conference, spotlighted its unique format, which incorporated student and audience involvement through a Round Table Discussion and seminar session. Various topics were explored, from gender challenges in academia to the masculinization of the field, and the significance of collective support for female scholars.
From the 42 papers submitted, 14 were selected for presentation, with Asma Aftab’s paper on the intersection of academia and activism winning the best research paper award. Other noteworthy papers discussed cultural influences, linguistic challenges, and shared cross-cultural challenges that women in leadership roles face.
A pivotal outcome of the project and conference was the formulation of a women empowerment policy. Spearheaded by Dr. Samina Malik, this initiative promises to be a notable contribution to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Government of Pakistan. The policy aims to bridge the identified gaps and issues discussed during the conference.
Both Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza and Dr. Haroona Jatoi commended Dr. Samina Malik’s efforts, emphasizing the global upward trajectory of women in academic leadership positions. Dr. Jatoi also underscored the potential for IIUI to grow under the leadership of its first female rector.
The event closed on an interactive note, with audience members actively participating in a Q and A session, showing their keenness and understanding of the challenges faced by female academic professionals. The conference culminated with the guests being honoured with shields in recognition of their invaluable contributions.