Year 2023
Year 2022
Year 2021
Year 2020
Year 2019
Launching Ceremony of Clean & Green Campus Campaign
March 21, 2019: Women Institute for Leadership and Learning (WILL) of Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) in collaboration with strengthening participatory organization (SPO) has organized a launching ceremony of clean & green campus campaign pertaining to celebrations of International Water Day. This campaign aims to educate students about the importance of clean and green environment, the need of safe and clean water and about tackling the water crisis by addressing the reasons why so many people are unable to get access to safe and clean water. We have renowned and reputed guest speakers from different organizations who shared their valuable views. Ms Nayab Javed from Women Institute of Leadership and Learning (WILL) shared the importance of World Water Day. Guest Speakers Mr. Shahnawaz Khan, Regional Head, SPO, Mr. Farakat Ali, Provincial Coordinator, Water Aid Program, Ms Uzma Kardar, Member National Assembly, Dr. Anjum Zia, General Body Member, SPO/ HOD, Mass Communication Department, LCWU shared their views with us. Then there was an open discussion session and at the end Dr. Talat Sohail Director WILL in her closing remarks shared her views about the importance of International water day, showed her gratitude towards SPO for collaborating in this event and thanks to all honorable guest speakers.
International Women’s day Celebration Intercollegiate performing art competition
1st Day: Inter-departmental debating competition
March, 07, 2019:Women Institute for Leadership and Learning (WILL) of Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) in collaboration with strengthening participatory organization (SPO) has organized an Inter-departmental debating competition activity pertaining to celebrations of International Women’s day, 2019. This activity aims to make a consensus among young girls about raising their voices against increasing gender imbalances in society, to make them aware about the importance of gender balanced roles for the sake of achieving global sustainable development. Approx. 12 to 15 students have participated in this competition. Dr Shehla Ahmed Assistant Professor Department of gender and development studies has shared the background of the celebrations of International Women’s day and its 2019 theme with audience. Mr Shahnawaz Khan, Regional Head (SPO) Lahore has shared the working and efforts of this organization regarding gender empowerment. Miss Hifza Mahmood, Focal person SPO has shared the importance of gender and development studies students’ active involvement in maintaining gender balance in society. Dr Subha Malik HOD Gender and development studies in her closing remarks has appreciated the participation of debaters and showed her gratitude towards SPO for collaborating in this event and thanks to judges Ms Iram Shahid HOD Social work, Dr Qamar Fatima HOD Political Science and Dr Faleeha HOD of Persian.
March, 08, 2019: Women Institute for Leadership and Learning (WILL) of Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) in collaboration with strengthening participatory organization (SPO) has organized an Intercollegiate performing art competition activity pertaining to celebrations of International Women’s day, 2019. This activity aims to make a consensus among youngster about raising their voices against increasing gender imbalances in society, to make them aware about the importance of gender balanced roles for the sake of achieving global sustainable development. Teams from Kinnard College, Samanabad College, and University of the Punjab and Lahore Garrison University have participated in this competition. Ms Muniza Javed from Women Institute for Leadership and Learning (WILL) shared the background of the celebrations of International Women’s day and its 2019 theme with audience. Mr Shahnawaz Khan, Regional Head (SPO) Lahore shared the working and efforts of this organization regarding gender empowerment. Ms Hifza Mahmood, Focal person SPO shared the importance of gender and development studies students’ active involvement in maintaining gender balance in society. The team from University of The Punjab got 1 st position, Kinnaird College for women team got 2nd position and Samanabad College for Women got 3 rd position in the competition. Overall, all the teams gave their best performances. Dr Subha Malik HOD Gender and development studies in her closing remarks appreciated the participation of debaters and showed her gratitude towards SPO for collaborating in this event and thanks to judges Ms Fareeha Basit HOD English Department, Ms Bushra Nadeem Director Student’s affairs and Dr Anjum Zia HOD Mass Communication.
Year 2018
Three Days International Conference on Gender December 3rd-5th 2018
3rd to 5th December 2018:The Department of Gender & Development Studies, Lahore College for Women University” organized a three day International Conference on Gender “Perspectives, Realities and Challenges” from 3rd to 5th December 2018 at Lahore College for Women University, Lahore. This conference aimed to bring together leading academicians, social scientists, researchers, practitioners and research scholars exchange and share their research experiences, results and recommendations on important aspects of Gender and Development Studies.
On 3rd December, 2018 at the opening ceremony if ICG-2018, Ms. Fouzia Waqar, Chairperson Punjab Commission on the status of Women attended the inaugural session as chief guest and emphasized that Punjab Commission is committed for women empowerment and working on reducing gender disparities in social, political and economic field. She extended her thanks to the Lahore College for Women University for hosting first international conference on gender studies. She further added some facts about the status of women and highlighted the initiatives taken by the Punjab Commission for better of women in Punjab. Vice Chancellor Lahore College for Women University, Prof. Dr. Farkhanda Manzoor chaired the opening session of the conference and expressed that this conference is an opportunity to gain understating about challenges in researching gender issues.
On 4th December, 2018 the second day, Mr. Mathew Vaughan talked on Gender and Global Peace. Additionally, numerous national and international presenters participated and almost 50 research papers presented in six scientific sessions at the conference. The speakers presented their papers on contemporary gender issues by covering the areas of Psychology of Gender, Gender Media & Cyber Spaces, Social Exclusion & Gender Based Violence, Leadership, Entrepreneurship & Economic Empowerment, Gender & Education and Gender Development & Law.
On 5th December 2018, the last day, two keynote speeches were delivered. Dr. Anoosh Khan, Head, Department of Gender Studies, University of Peshawar spoke highlighted the issues of reflexive intellectual Autobiography: From a field site for feedback. Furthermore, Dr. Ra’ana Malik, In-charge, Department of Gender Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore emphasized on Women’s Mobility and Economic Empowerment. Moreover, a panel discussion was held under the topic of “Emerging perspectives in Gender Issues”. Panelists included Dr. Salma Hassan (GCU), Dr.Ali Hashmi (KE), Ms. Mumtaz Mughal (Aurat Foundation), Dr. Aman Jaffer (LUMS) & Dr. Ambreen Salahudin (UMT). They emphasized to sensitize the youth, both boys and girls regarding gender roles.They also highlighted the role of school psychologist to overcome the gender identity disorders among students. Further, Chief Guest Justice Nasira Javed Iqbal (R) added that mindset has been changed regarding women’s participation in the labor force to add in GDP and overall country’s development. She further talked about the efficacy of pro-women laws in Pakistan.In her closing remarks, Prof. Dr. Sarah Shahed, Director, Women Institute of Leadership and Learning said that presented research papers at the conference would help students and young scholars understand the dynamics of gender issues globally and locally. She also expressed her gratitude to the conference organizing team, heads of departments, the staff and students of Gender and Development Studies. She further concluded the session by terming the conference as an opportunity for young scholars to interact with well-known gender experts and learn from their knowledge and experiences. She expressed her gratitude to the national and international scholars, and distinguished guests who participated in the conference. She also thanked the staff from the various offices of Lahore College for Women University for their valuable support. Later, shields were distributed among the delegates.
Gender and Development Studies Department, LCWU Developed Linkages & Collaboration under the HEC funded project “Strengthening of Faculties of LCWU” with Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand
The proposed linkage took place under the HEC funded project “Strengthening of Faculties of LCWU” to LOI signed between Lahore College for Women University with Asian Institute of Technology, for developing linkages & research collaboration of GDS Department, LCWU.
Dr. Subha Malik, HOD Gender and Development Studies attended the LOI signing ceremony that was held at AIT, Thailand in the last week of November, 2018. (First outgoing visit from 20th Nov, 2018 to 24th Nov, 2018)
For further perusal of linkage, Ms. Nayab Javed Lecturer Department of Gender and Development Studies, LCWU visited for two courses at School of Environment, Resource and Development (SERD) AIT, Thailand.
To proceed further with linkages program, Prof. Kyoko Kusakabe HOD Development & Sustainability at Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand will visit Department of Gender and Development Studies, LCWU
16 Days of Activism regarding Violence Against Women
Celebrations of International Month of October for Breast Cancer Awareness
8th, 25th and 26th October 2018:Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women around the world. Considering its significance Women Institute of Leadership and Learning (WILL) conducts breast cancer awareness activities every year. October is internationally celebrated as breast cancer awareness month that aims to raise both funds and awareness of the issues surrounding breast cancer. This year WILL celebrated Pink Days on 8th, 25th and 26th October 2018, by conducting two seminars on breast cancer awareness among young girls and a bake sale for fund raising for the treatment of breast cancer patients.
On 8th October, 2018, a Breast Cancer Awareness Session in collaboration with Shaukat Khanum Cancer Memorial Hospital (SKMCH) was conducted by Women Institute for Leadership and Learning (WILL) at Seminar Hall Student Service Centre, Lahore College for Women University Lahore. Dr. Nimra Nadeem, Medical Officer, SKCMH delivered her presentation about the importance of Breast Cancer. Ms. Naila Khan, Senior Marketing Manager, SKCMH expressed her views regarding the significance of Breast Cancer campaign. Faculty and students from different departments of LCWU attended the event.
Bake Sale: On 25th October 2018, there was a Bake Sale arranged by students of Gender and Development Studies, WILL-LCWU for fund raising for breast cancer patients in collaboration with Pink Ribbon Campaign Pakistan. In which a large number of material related to breast cancer awareness like posters, pink ribbons, panaflexes and pamphlets were disseminated and distributed among all department faculty members and students to spread the awareness about breast cancer in all the campus areas. Students displayed different stalls of food items, stalls of photography and stall related to breast cancer awareness material. Donation tickets, booklets, breast cancer awareness pamphlets, volunteer forms and newsletters of Pink Ribbon Campaign Pakistan were also distributed among the students of Gender and Development Studies, LCWU. Students and faculty members of LCWU donates generously and total 12,7000/- Rs. donation was collected for this noble cause.
Awareness Raising Lecture on Breast Cancer: On 26th October, 2018 an awareness raising lecture on breast cancer by Women Institute of Leadership and Learning (WILL), LCWU in collaboration with District Health Authority, Lahore. The speakers of seminar shared the importance of taking healthy and pure, nutritious food for young girls. While sharing the importance of breast care and breastfeeding, they also highlight the fact that breastfeeding is a way to prevent the breast cancer.
Year 2017
Training and Panel Discussion on Sexual Harassment
On December 8, 2017, Department of Gender and Development Studies, Ruth Pfau Women Institute for Leadership and Learning, LCWU organized a training and panel discussion on prevention of sexual harassment at the public and private sector in collaboration with Pak-US Alumni Network. In first session, Mr. Rafiq Jaffer, Director, Institute of Social Science led the training on Back off: How to confront and stop sexual harassment. In this training, skills of assertiveness and coping strategies were shared and practiced. Moreover, facilitator discussed different forms of sexual harassment and situations. In the second session, speaker on panel discussion has stressed the need for capacity building trainings and implementation of laws on the prevention of sexual harassment in public and private sectors for the protection and empowerment of women in Pakistan. Ms. Hina Saeed, from BBC moderated the session, whereas other speakers were Ms. Amra Mubasshar from PEPSI, Mr. Hassan Khan from Uber Pakistan and Ms. Ayesha Lari from INTERWOOD. Mr. Iftikhar Hussain, President Lahore Chapter Pak-US Alumni Network at the end presented vote of thanks. Prof Dr. Sarah Shahed, Director Ruth Pfau Women Institute for Leadership and Learning said that education is the only tool that can be used for bringing about a positive societal change and preventing sexual harassment against women. Dr. Bushra Khan, Dean Social Sciences, LCWU also attended the event. This event was highly attended by faculty members and students of Lahore College for Women University.
Report of Activities of November-December 2017 Organized by Ruth Pfau Women Institute of Leadership and Learning (WILL)
Activities pertaining to Celebrations of International 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls. The campaign runs every year from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Gender, to 10 December, Human Rights Day. Unfortunately, Pakistan is the world’s most dangerous countries for women due to a barrage of threats ranging from violence and rape to dismal health care and “honor killings. Considering its significance Ruth Pfau Women Institute of Leadership and Learning (WILL) conducts activities related to Gender-Based Violence issues and their prevention every year. This year WILL celebrated Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence on 6th, 8th, 18th, 20th and 22nd December, 2017 in collaborations with Simorgh, Pak-US Alumni Network , White Ribbon Campaign Pakistan and the Provincial Commission on the Status of Women
Campaign against Violence and Hate Speech Against Women
On 6th December, 2017, there was a stall arranged for campaigning against Violence and Hate Speech Against Women by Ruth Pfau WILL-LCWU in collaboration with Pink Ribbon Campaign Pakistan. In which a large number of material related to Violence Against Women and Hate Speech for Women like posters, standees and pamphlets etc.was displayed for awareness raising among young girls. Students of LCWU have actively taken part by sharing recorded and documented their messages and thoughts about violence and hate speech against women and these issues would be overcome.
Training and Panel Discussion on Sexual Harassment
On December 8, 2017, Department of Gender and Development Studies, Ruth Pfau WILL-LCWU organized a training and panel discussion on prevention of sexual harassment at the public and private sector in collaboration with Pak-US Alumni Network. In first session, Mr. Rafiq Jaffer, Director, Institute of Social Science led the training on Back off: How to confront and stop sexual harassment. In this training, skills of assertiveness and coping strategies were shared and practiced. Moreover, facilitator discussed different forms of sexual harassment and situations. In the second session, speaker on panel discussion has stressed the need for capacity building trainings and implementation of laws on the prevention of sexual harassment in public and private sectors for the protection and empowerment of women in Pakistan. Ms. Hina Saeed, from BBC moderated the session, whereas other speakers were Ms. Amra Mubasshar from PEPSI, Mr. Hassan Khan from Uber Pakistan and Ms. Ayesha Lari from INTERWOOD. Mr. Iftikhar Hussain, President Lahore Chapter Pak-US Alumni Network at the end presented vote of thanks. Prof Dr. Sarah Shahed, Director Ruth Pfau Women Institute for Leadership and Learning said that education is the only tool that can be used for bringing about a positive societal change and preventing sexual harassment against women. Dr. Bushra Khan, Dean Social Sciences, LCWU also attended the event. This event was highly attended by faculty members and students of Lahore College for Women University.
Seminar on Violence Against Women
On 18th October, 2017, an awareness seminar on Seminar on Violence Against Women by Ruth Pfau WILL-LCWU in collaboration with the Punjab Commission on the Status of Women. Ms. Zainab Jafri (Manager-PCSW) shared her views and experiences related violence against women issues. Ms. Aliya Ali Khan (Manager-PCSW) while delivering her presentation on PCSW projects working for the elimination of prevailing violences against women in Punjab. She shared the positive steps taken to deal with these issues at public and private levels. Participants students of LCWU raised their questions and shared their experiences related to incidences of VAW with speakers and asked for their advice and best strategies to deal with VAW issues.
the activity of Breast Cancer Awareness Session was conducted by Ruth Pfau Women Institute of Leadership and Learning (WILL), LCWU in collaboration with Shaukat Khanum Cancer Memorial Hospital. The Session was formally started with recitation of Holy Quran. The worthy Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Uzma Qureshi graced the occasion and expressed her views regarding the significance and importance of breast cancer. Dr. Uzma appreciated the efforts of Shaukat Khanum Cancer Memorial Hospital. Dr. Khasifa Ehsan, Medical Officer, SKCMH delivered her presentation about the importance of Breast Cancer. Ms. .Naila Khan Senior Marketing Manager, SKCMH expressed her views regarding the significance of Breast Cancer campaign. Ms. Maya Ali –Actress and Campaign Ambassador, SKCMH of breast cancer of this year, visited LCWU. She addressed students and shared her observations regarding life stories of cancer patients. At the end of event Prof. Dr. Sarah Shahed, Director, Ruth Pfau Women Institute of Leadership and Learning delivered her closing remarks. She expressed her gratitude to the event guests, SKMCH team, organizers, heads of departments and the staff and students of Gender and Development Studies for making the event successful.
On 27th October, 2017 an awareness raising lecture on breast cancer by Ruth Pfau Women Institute of Leadership and Learning (WILL), LCWU in collaboration with District Health Authority, Lahore. The Session was formally started with recitation of Holy Quran. The Session was formally started with recitation of Holy Quran. Dr. Sabahat Sami, Govt. Rana Abdul Memorial Hospital Sodiwal Lahore and Dr. Sabeen Nasir, Deputy Program Manager, Non Communicable Diseases the speakers of seminar shared that early screening and detection of breast cancer is essential in its management and treatment. Survival rates are improving in developed countries, but there is still a lot of improvement needed in poor resourced countries.
Year 2016
GW-LCWU Partnership- Building Connections, Building Capacity Three Year Project funded by the State Department
GW-LCWU Partnership- Building Connections, Building Capacity Three Year Project funded by the State Department
Report 2014- 2016
Department of Gender and Development Studies, Lahore College for Women University has entered into a three year partnership with George Washington University USA’s Global Gender Program. This project is based on collaborative and cost-efficient plan to build and sustain an academic partnership between the Global Gender Program (GGP) of the George Washington University (GW) and the Gender and Development Studies Program at Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) to enhance the academic, research, a
nd knowledge exchange environment for faculty and students at LCWU and to support the mission of GW and its Global Gender Program.
This partnership has started on January 1, 2014, and will end on December 31, 2016. The partnership provided a series of activities, including curriculum development, student/ faculty exchanges, professional and leadership development, and international conferences, designed to maximize short-term and long-term impact at both universities.At The George Washington University, the project is led by Professor Barbara Miller, a senior academic with extensive experience in India and on gender issues; and Professor Shaista E. Khilji, a cross-cultural expert on leadership and adult learning (particularly in South Asia) with a longstanding educational/ research/ work experience and continuing relationships with institutions in Pakistan. At Lahore College Women’s University, the project’s leader is Dr. Sarah Shahed, Head of Department, Gender and Development Studies, and Director, Women Institute of Leadership and Learning.
Goals of the Partnership
- Establish and sustain a new and enduring academic exchange relationship between LCWU's Department of Gender and Development and GW's Global Gender Program to enhance educational quality, research, and public engagement/service learning at both universities.
- Contribute to positive change in cross-cultural attitudes through cultural exposure and understanding.
Faculty Exchange Program
Prof. Dr. Shaista Khilji from George Washington University visited Lahore College for Women University twice, in 2014 and 2016 .She is Professor of Human and Organizational Learning & International Affairs at the George Washington University, During her stay in Pakistan, she organized several trainings,workshop and courses on qualitative research, scholarly writing, curriculum development and leadership. She also reviewed the MS program curriculum with the faculty of GDS and facilitated in the designing the curriculum of the PhD program.
Mr. David D. Gow, Baker Professor Emeritus of Anthropology and International Affairs, George Washington University, Washington, DC also visited the Lahore College for Women University twice in 2014 & 2015. Dr. Gow is a sociocultural anthropologist who studies processes of local development, the evolution of local politics, and the relationships among participation, democracy, and citizenship. He taught courses on “Development, Gender, and Representation: An Anthropological Perspective”.
Dr. Jane Henrici, from George Washington University visited the Department of Gender & Development Studies, Lahore College for Women University, in 2016. Dr. Henrici is a Professorial Lecturer at Elliott School of International Affairs. During her stay, she delivered lectures on global gender issues and conducted many workshops based on qualitative research techniques. She also spoke as a guest speaker at the International Symposium on Gender and Disasters on March 8th and attended the panel discussion as panelist organized by British High Commission in collaboration with Lahore College for Women University on March 7th, 2016.
In 2015 and 2016 five faculty members of Gender & Development Studies Department visited George Washington University, USA. During their stay,, they worked actively in curriculum development from defining learning objectives to designing assignments and term projects, etc. Faculty members had interactive sessions with doctoral and masters level students of GWU with the agenda of sharing experiences and to contribute in their dissertations about issues in Pakistan. They also visited Masters and PhD classes in order to enhance knowledge and skills regarding advanced teaching methods, strategies and to enhance Scholar’s teaching effectiveness. Additionally, faculty members delivered two seminar presentations on “Women’s Leadership in Pakistan- beyond Stereotypes and Myths” and Successes and Challenges of Pakistani Women. The Story of an Evolving Society which were attended by faculty and students of GWU.They also attended meetings to discuss the mechanism of online classes.
Additionally, eight faculty members of Gender and Development studies have successfully completed the online course on women and global politics offered by the Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University during the summer semester in May to June 2015. This course was led by the Prof .Dr. Michele A. Clark. The course examined how political, economic, social, cultural and religious frameworks affected the well being of women as well as contributed to a systemic lack of access to resources.
Students Exchange Program
Several students of the MS program of Gender and Development Studies visited the George Washington University, USA for summer semester in 2014, 2015 and 2016.During their six weeks stay in GWU, the students attended three research-based courses. Beside this, students attended several meetings with the faculty and doctoral students at GWU. Students at GWU also attended and presented papers at the conferences on Women’s Empowerment and Equality Challenges, Progress, and Opportunities, Empowering Women through Political Participation &Empowering Politics through Women’s Participation and What Works for Women’s Equality: Insights from Research and Practice organized by the global gender program, US.
Video Conferences
So far, four video conferences have been conducted between the Department of Gender and Development Studies, Lahore College for Women University and Global Gender Program ,George Washington University. In these conferences, the students and faculty from both sides exchanged ideas and knowledge about the challenges and prospects for change in women’s empowerment especially as related to gender-based issues.
Visit of US Consulate General's Public Affairs
US Consulate General's Public Affairs Officer, Ms. Rachel Chan, Advisor Higher Education & Youth Affairs, US Department of State, Mr. Jamal Ghazanfar and Public Affairs Officer, US Consulate General, Ms.Farakh N.Khan visited the Lahore College for Women University on September 9, 2016. They met with the Worthy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Uzma Qureshi and senior leadership of LCWU. In the meeting, future possibilities of academic collaboration between universities of USA and LCWU were discussed. Additionally, students and faculty of Gender and Development Studies who under the partnership program of LCWU and GWU visited the USA, shared their experiences and extended their gratitude to the US State Department for providing them opportunities of learning and capacity building in various academic areas.
Three Days International Conference on Global Gender Perspective November 14 -16, 2016
The Department of Gender & Development Studies, Lahore College for Women University in collaboration with the Global Gender Program of The George Washington University, USA, organized a three day International Conference on Global Gender Perspective from November 14 to 16, 2016.
This conference brought together leading academics social scientists and researchers to exchange and share their experiences and research finding on important aspects of Gender and Development Studies. More than 100 national and international presenters presented their papers in the conference. Participants from USA, UK, Sweden, Germany, Norway, and Nepal also presented papers in conference. Dr. Jane Henrici, Lecturer Global Gender Program, George Washington University, Dr. Kelly Pemberton, Associate Professor of Religion and Women’s Studies, George Washington University; Dr. Lionel Howard , Assistant Professor, Educational Research, George Washington University and Dr. Faiza Ali ,Senior Lecturer, Liverpool Business School , John Moores University also presented their papers. Lesli Davis, Program Officer, George Washington University shared the message of Dr. Barbara Miller, Professor of Anthropology & International Affairs, George Washington University at the panel discussion. Michael Clark, Adjunct Professor George Washington University also participated in the panel discussion at the conference. Ms. Savitra Shreshta from Nepal, Ms. Zille Zahra Naqvi, Dr.Lena Martinsson & Dr. Erika Alm from Sweden presented their recorded papers.
Students and faculty from Punjab University, COMSATS Islamabad, University of Peshwar, International Islamic University, University of Sargodha, Beaconhouse National University (BNU), NUST, GCU Lahore, NIP Quaid-i-Azam university, Foundation university Islamabad, FC College, Lahore College for Women University and LUMS participated in the conference. Additionally, professionals from FATA Research Center and advocate of Lahore High Court also presented in the conference.
Chief Guest Begum Zakia Shahnawaz, Provincial Minister for Higher Education and Population Welfare, highlighted various actions taken by the Government of Pakistan for promotion of gender equality. She appreciated the efforts of GWU and LCWU for holding a well-organized and successful conference. She added that such opportunities help in bringing together leading academic social scientists, researchers and research scholars for exchanging experiences and research results on important aspects of Gender and Development Studies
The Vice Chancellor LCWU, Prof. Dr. Uzma Quraishi, in her closing speech admired and praised the team of Women Institute of Leadership and Learning for incorporating what was envisioned for the conference. It has been the first event of its nature and magnitude in Pakistan in the field of gender studies. This conference is a milestone towards getting better understanding of cultural constructs and social inequalities, which consequently leads to the possibilities of greater collaboration between countries.
While speaking at the closing ceremony, Prof. Dr Sarah Shahed, Director Women Institute of Leadership and Learning, said that this conference has opened new horizons for new researchers to explore and understand the contemporary gender issues from multiple perspective. She also extended her gratitude to all speakers, national and international guests and scholars. Prof Dr Shaista Khilji, Professor of Human and Organizational Learning & International Affairs, George Washington University in her closing remarks stressed on importance of future collaboration for sharing and better understanding of global gender dynamics.
Dr. David Gow, Baker Emeritus Professor of Anthropology and International Affairs, George Washington University; Dr. Ruhi Khalid , Director Institute of Psychology, Beaconhouse National University ;Brig (R)Dr. Tanvir Akhtar, Head of Department Psychology /Director Students’ Counseling, Foundation University, Rawalpindi; Dr. Misbah Tanveer, Assistant Professor, School of Business and Dr. Amen Jaffer ,Assistant Professor Sociology from Lahore University of Management Sciences; Dr. Salma Hassan, Associate Professor, Psychology Department and Dr. Syeda Shahida Batool, Chairperson Department of Psychology, Government College University; Prof. Dr. Anila Kamal, Director National Institute of Psychology, Quaid e Azam University Islamabad; Dr. Grace Clark ,Professor Sociology and former Dean of Social Sciences, Forman Christian College; Prof. Talat Sohail, Chairperson, Department of Applied Psychology, Lahore College for Women University; Mr. Salman Abid , Regional Head, Strengthening Participatory Organization, Lahore ; Mr. Daud Saqlain ,Head of Programs ActionAid Pakistan; Ms. Neelum Hussain ,Executive Director, Simorgh Pakistan and Ms. Wilma Van der Maten, Journalist, Correspondent Elsevier (Pakistan) chaired sessions in the conference.
Designing and Planning Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces for Women
Saboor and Huma Siraj Manj, MS students of Gender and Development Studies, Lahore College for Women University presented the “safe campus” project under the supervision of Ms. Madiha Nadeem and Prof. Dr. Sarah Shahed for the youth competition titled“ Designing and Planning Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces for Women” conducted by UN Women in collaboration with the Punjab Commission on the Status of Women and Punjab’s Women Development Department on September 28, 2016 in Lahore and won first prize. Ms. Waheeda Hameed-ud-Din (Minister, Women Development Department, Punjab) presented the award to the winning team. Worthy Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Uzma Qureshi congratulated the faculty and students of Gender and Development Studies.
Year 2015
Seminar on “Women’s Rights are Human Rights”
In collaboration with the Punjab Commission on Status of Women (PCSW) and White Ribbon Campaign Pakistan awareness Seminar was organized on 10 December 2015. The Panel of this seminar was consisted of high profile guest speakers, which included Salman Abid, Regional Head SPO, Fauzia Viqar, Chairperson Punjab Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW), Bushra Aziz, SHO Women Police Station, Omer Aftab, CEO White Ribbon Campaign Pakistan, Asma Hamid, Additional Advocate General, Capt. Dr. Waseem Haider, Medico-Legal Head Surgeon, Prof Dr. Sarah Shahed, Director WILL and Shunila Ruth, Human Rights activist/MPA. All speakers shared their views and experiences related violence against women issues and shared the positives steps taken to deal with these issues at public and private levels.
Theatre performance on Gender Roles
A theatre performance on “Gender Roles” in collaboration with Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) on 2nd December 2015 students from various departments and intermediate college has shown great interested at this event. The Channan Theatre group depicted the story of character Rani and her husband. And how they both succeeded in managing their responsibilities by performing gender-neutral roles.
Seminar on “Role of Youth and Violence against Women”
A seminar on “Role of Youth and Violence against Women” organized in collaboration with Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) on 1-12-2015; more 250 Intermediate College students were the participants of this seminar. Mr. Michael H. Cognato, Political and Economic Officer, U.S. Consulate General, Lahore; Dr. Zarqa Taimoor, Human Rights and Political Activist; Ms Mumtaz Mughal, Resident Director Aurat Foundation, Salman Abid, Regional Head SPO, Punjab and Prof Dr. Sarah Shahed, Director WILL were the spoke persons of this seminar.
Lecture on “Research Methodology and the Feminist Perspective”
An interactive lecture on “Research Methodology and the Feminist Perspective” conducted in collaboration with Simorgh Women’s Resource and Publication Centre on 27th November, 2015 in which was attended by students of MS I, and faculty of Gender and Development Studies Department and Psychology Department. The resource person Ms. Neelum Hussain, Executive Officer, Simorgh has delivered a presentation on which included the facts of Research Methodology, with a specific discussion on feminist research methods, and how one can improve of research by employing the right tools.
Activities pertaining the celebrations of 16 Days of Activism for ending Violence against Women 2015 by Women Institute of Leadership and Learning
Interactive Session on Early Child Marriage
An awareness session on “Early Child Marriages” was organized in collaboration with Madadgaar National Helpline on 18th November 2015. Ms Ayesha Saddique, Field Officer and Ms Fatima Khan, Youth Coordinator, Madadgaar Helpline as the resource persons has shared video documentaries and presentation on early child marriages and its effects on girl child health with almost 90 participant students of Gender and Developments Studies department.
Visit of Director WILL to GWU, Washington USA October 2015
Prof Dr. Sarah Shahed attended the US- Pakistan University Partnership Workshop held in Washington DC, USA from 26th October to 2nd November 2015. The workshop was attended by around 60 participants representing US universities, Pakistani universities, Higher Education Commission, and the State Department. The certificates of participation were distributed at the Pakistan embassy in Washington DC by H.E Mr. Jalil Abbas, the Ambassador of Pakistan in the US. Dr. Sarah Shahed was invited by the Global Gender Program of George Washington University to deliver a talk on the Discipline and Teaching of Gender Studies in Pakistan. The event, held on 4th November 2015, was attended by students and scholars from different walks of life. The audience was impressed by the reported status of teaching and research in the discipline.
Pink Day at Lahore College for Women University in Collaboration with Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital and Pink Ribbon Pakistan
Women Institute of Leadership and Learning (WILL) conducts breast cancer awareness activities every year. This year WILL celebrated Pink Day on 20th October 2015.There was two activities on that day. Students of Gender and Development Studies arranged a bake sale for fund raising for cancer patient and Breast Cancer awareness seminar in collaboration with Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital.
Prof. Dr. David D. Gow, George Washington University, visited the Department of Gender & Development Studies
Under the GWU-LCWU partnership, program Prof. Dr. David D. Gow, Baker Professor Emeritus of Anthropology and International Affairs, George Washington University visited the Department of Gender & Development Studies, Lahore College for Women University, in the month of October 2015. Dr. Gow is a sociocultural anthropologist who studies processes of local development, the evolution of local politics, and the relationships among participation, democracy, and citizenship. This course consisted of academic readings, discussions, and students’ individual research projects. All the faculty of Gender and Development Studies attended the program.
Students Exchange Program
Students of Department of the Gender and Development Studies (Samina Riaz, Maryam Batool, Zille Zahra, Amna Saeed, Zarnab Rana and Arshia Yasin) visited the George Washington University, USA for summer semester this year from July 03 to August 14, 2015 under the three-year LCWU-GWU partnership program. During their six weeks stay in GWU, the students attended three research-based courses. Beside this, students attended several meetings with the officials and faculty at GWU.
Students also attended orientation sessions about GWU police and immigration rules arranged by the international students’ office. Students at GWU also attended the conference on “Empowering Women through Political Participation & Empowering Politics through Women’s Participation” organized by the global gender program on 30th July, 2015. Many dignitaries from international organizations and non-government organizations and officials from state department also participated in this conference.
Online Course of Summer Semester, 2015 (George Washington University)
Six faculty members of Gender and Development studies has successfully completed the online course of women and Global politics offered by the Elliott School of international Affairs, George Washington University during summer semester in May to June 2015. This course was led by the Prof .Dr. Michele A. Clark.
This course was an overview of the global status of women in the Twenty-First Century, focusing on the discrepancies between normative frameworks and policy developed to benefit women and their actual implementation. Dr. Subha Malik, Ms. Uzma Ashiq, Ms. Farah Adil, Ms. Fareeha Anjum, Ms. Syeda Maryam Batool and Ms. Madiha Nadeem completed the course.
Entrepreneurial Community Projects.
The students of the 6th semester, Department of Gender and Development Studies, LCWU have exhibited their entrepreneurial projects as a compulsory part of their subject “Entrepreneurial Skills Development” on 21st May 2015. Different projects like event management, jewelry making, trading, food items, clothing and photography were taken up. The main purpose of this activity was to give the students the feel as to how they can take initiative to start their own business. Such activities give encouragement to other girls too to promote their skills for their future career as well.
Memorandum of Understanding signing between Lahore College for Women University and United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Lahore College for Women University and United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) on February 27th, 2015. Ms. Moneeza Hashmi (BB Chair, WILL) played the pivotal role in making this collaboration possible.
Prof. Dr. Shaista Khilji from George Washington University visited LCWU
Prof. Dr. Shaista Khilji from George Washington University visited LCWU in the month of April, 2015. Dr Khilji delivered workshops and trainings in different areas such as PhD Curriculum Review and Development, Professional Development workshop for LCWU faculty, Leadership Education workshop for LCWU faculty for developing leadership, Development Programs for local women communities, Train the Trainer workshop, and Scholarly Writing Workshop for LCWU Faculty.
Women Institute of Leadership & Learning
One of the key functions of the Women Institute of Leadership and Learning is to establish networks and collaboration with women institutions and organizations in order to support women empowerment in all spheres of life.
Establishment of Day Care Centre
Women Institute of Leadership and Learning (WILL) Lahore College for Women University has established Day Care Centre after having a grant from Punjab Day Care Fund Society. The Center is the state of the art Centre. Around 25 children of different age groups are enrolled of both the teaching and non-teaching faculty members. Ms Hameeda Waheeda-ud-Din Minister Women Development Punjab inaugurated the center on 2nd March 2015.
Activity pertaining celebrations of 8th March 2015 International Women Day
Awareness Session on Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2010 an
Women Institute of Leadership and Learning organized an awareness session on Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2010 on 5th March 2015 at the Department of Gender and Development Studies. Ms Zille Zahra and Ms Asma Semi were the facilitators of this session. At the start of the session, the students were given a survey form with some short questions on Sexual Harassment Act to guage their awareness level. The facilitators told students about the different clauses of the Sexual Harassment Act, 2010, the procedure of complaints and the penalties for accused.
Interactive Session on Punjab Women Empowerment Package 2010
An interactive session was arranged to discuss Punjab Women Empowerment Package 2010 on 6th March 2015 at the Department of Gender and Development Studies. Ms Madiha Nadeem and Ms Farah Adil were the facilitators of this session. The purpose of this session was to aware students about the different initiatives taken under Women Empowerment Package 2012 that includes women’s legal rights, health, education, employment and political rights and privileges. The awareness brochures were distributed among students with the information on Women Empowerment Package 2012. Students were told that these initiatives are taken to facilitate women in all spheres of lives, but their implementation is possible only when women have the awareness of the laws.
Interactive Session to Promote Sufi Massage of Peace and Tolerance among youth through Art of Qawwali Learning
Women Institute of Leadership and Learning organized an interactive workshop on the art of Qawwali learning in collaboration with Simorgh Women’s Resource and Publication Centre on 26th March, 2015 at the Department of Gender and Development Studies. The main purpose of conducting this workshop was to make youth recognize the diversity of South Asian culture.
LCWU Faculty Visit of George Washington University, USA
In the month of March, 2015 three faculty members from Gender & Development Studies department visited George Washington University, Washington-DC, USA under three year LCWU-GWU international Academic Partnership as short term scholars. The three faculty members of Gender and Development Studies who visited GWU were as follows:
- Ms. Asma Seemi Malik, Assistant Professor, BS Coordinator and PhD Scholar
- Ms. Fareeha Anjum, Lecturer and MS Scholar
- Ms. Shehla Ahmad, Lecturer, MS Coordinator and PhD Scholar
During their three weeks stay in GWU they underwent many of activities including PhD curriculum development, observation of classes to induct effective teaching, person to person ties, and a seminar presentation on “Women’s Leadership in Pakistan- beyond Stereotypes and Myths”.
International Conference “Empowering Women through Political Participation & Empowering Politics through Women’s Participation” July 30th 2015
The Elliot school of international affairs, George Washington University organized an international conference titled “Empowering Women through Political Participation & Empowering Politics through Women’s Participation” on July 30th 2015.Three papers were presented by LCWU faculty Paper titled “Legislation and Policies for Promoting Political Empowerment of Women in Pakistan” was presented by Ms Maryam Batool, co-authors were Professor Dr. Sarah Shahed and Ms Madiha Nadeem, The second paper was presented by Ms Uzma Ashiq Khan, paper titled “Women as Social and Political Leaders”, and third paper was presented by Ms Zille Zahra, paper title: “Women’s Movements in Pakistan: Activism to Politics”.
Paper Presented and Published by the Faculty of WILL in the year 2015
Faculty and students of Gender and Development Studies presented four papers in 14th International Conference of Psychology (ICP 2015) titled as "The Current Challenges for Psychology: From Crisis to Sustainable Solutions" 19th-21st March 2015. The names of those faculty members are Prof. Dr. Sarah Shahed, Ms. Shehla Ahmad, Ms. Zille Zahra Naqvi and Ms. Madiha Nadeem and Ms Makiya Aslam (student).
The Faculty of Gender and Development Studies have published six papers in the year 2015 in various national and international journals. The names of the faculty members are; Prof. Dr. Sarah Shahed, Ms. Zille Zahra, Ms. Samina Riaz, Ms. Asma Seemi Malik, Ms. Uzma Ashiq Khan and Dr. Subha Malik
Sessions Chair
Prof. Dr. Sarah Shahed chaired the “Health Psychology “session at 14th International Conference of Psychology (ICP 2015) “The Current Challenges for Psychology: From Crisis to Sustainable Solutions" on March 19, 2015 and chaired the “Mental Health” session at 1st National Conference on “Indigenizing Clinical Psychology Issues and Challenges” on 17 December, 2015.
Year 2014
- Students of Gender and Development Studies got 3rd positions in inter-departmental drama competition organized to celebrate International Women’s Day on 5thMarch, 2014.
- Exhibitions of entrepreneurial projects were held by the students of Gender and Development Studies on 13th March,2014
- Realizing the responsibility of promoting literacy amongst the marginalized sections of society, students of Department of Gender and Development working for Active Citizen Program decided to join hands with the Institute of Education Department in the project of setting up Laboratory Primary School. They designed and successfully executed their social action project under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Sarah Shahed and ACP facilitators to ensure the provision of good learning environment for the children in school. In this regard flower pots, decorative items, a swing and learning materials have been provided to school by fund raising.
- Students of Gender and Development studies planned and implemented their social action project under the title of “smile for orphan” with the aim to tell many of these children for the first time in their lives they are valued, they deserve to live happy life, they have the right to live in comfort and they are cared about – just like any other child, in any other place in the world. This project was executed in Pakistan Sweet Homes which is the government of Pakistan initiative of providing shelter to those children by not giving a name of orphanage but sweet homes under the umbrella of Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal. The main goals of this project were to provide awareness about health and hygiene and other supportive services to orphans and vulnerable children to enable them to live in healthy environment in order to make their future more productive
Year 2013
Students of Gender and development in this regard organized two awareness sessions on health and hygiene regarding reproductive health of young girls in Lahore College for Women University on 11 October, &12 November 2013 from 11:00 am to 01:30 pm. Students of BS (Semesters 1st, 3rd 5th & 7th) from department of Gender and Development Studies and Social Work participated in this session. 3rd Awareness session was conducted on Fatima Jinnah Chuna Mandi College on 23rd October, 2013 where large number of students from different master’s program participated. Ms. Uzma Ashiq Khan (clinical psychologist) & Dr. Fouzia Khan (gynecologist and consultant) facilitated the session as a resource person. Ms Shehla Ahmad (MS Coordinator &Lecturer, LCWU) presented introductory notes and vote of thanks.
Year 2024
Career and Development Prospects
BS Gender and Development Studies