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.

1st International Educational Conference, hosted by the Institute of Education, Lahore College for Women University was held at the Royal Palm Golf and Country Club in Lahore on 2nd Nov 2016. The conference addressed the theme of “Building Knowledge Competencies for Sustainable Development in Asia: Achieving the Goals of Life Long Learning”. Vice Chancellor Lahore College for Women University, Prof. Dr.Uzma Quraishi in her inaugural address emphasized that to achieve Sustainable Development, we need to change the way we think and act. This can be made possible through quality education and learning for sustainable development at all levels and in all social contexts. 

The conference intended to address the objectives of identifying certain areas of knowledge convergences which are conducive for making United Nation’s identified knowledge competencies work in the Asian context and beyond. It addressed three key areas upholding the cause of UN’s call for an inclusive and equitable quality education for sustainable development. 

These themes among others were the topics of the keynote speakers Prof. Dr. Saeeda Shah, University of Leicester, UK, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Memon, Agha Khan University, Pakistan, Prof. Dr. Munawar Sultana Mirza, Leads University, Pakistan and Dr .Naim Syed, Associate Assistant Vice President at University of Connecticut Health and Janet Syed, Merrimack College, USA, Dr. Sazali Bin Yousoff, Director, Institute of Teacher Education Malaysia and Dr. Siti Salina Binti Mustakim, Institute Aminuddin Baki, Ministry of Education, Malaysia. Distinguished guest Mr Kamran Lashari also addressed the youth and encouraged them to explore various facets of life and extend their learning beyond classrooms.
 
The three day international conference drew a large number of students and faculty countrywide and from across the continents, encouraging detailed deliberations on developing sustainable knowledge competencies of communication, creativity, critical thinking and collaboration for life-long learning and how universities should play their role in policy decisions, and lead the way towards sustainable education. 

Persian department in collaboration with Dabistan-e-Iqbal and Iran Culture Centre, Lahore organized a three day conference (from 10-12 Nov, 2015) on the completion of 100 years of Iqbal’s epic book  Asrar-e-khudi. Deaprtments of Political Science,Gender Studies and Institute of Education, LCWU also collaborated with the Persian department in organizing this conference. On the 1st day a declamation contest was held among the students of LUMS, GCU, PU, LCWU and other institutions at Alhamra Arts Council. Two sessions were held on the second day at the Student Service Centre, LCWU. The morning session started with the recitation of the Holy Quran. In this session various eminent personalities of Iran like Mr.Ali Akbar Barkhurdari (Director General of Iran Culture Centre, Lahore) Mr.Eisa Karimi (Councellor general of Iran in Islamabad) and Allama Iqbal’s family members like Mr. Iqbal Salah-ud-din(President Dabistan-e-Iqbal), Mr.Muneeb Iqbal(Vice President Iqbal Academy) and Justice (Rtd) Nasira Javeed Iqbal expressed their views about Asrar-e-khudi.Two famous Iranian poets Mr.Kumsari and Mr. Abdul Jabbar Kakai also graced the conference with their presence. Dr.Faleeha Zahra Kazmi, Head of Persian department, LCWU, presented her welcome address and thanked the honorable guests. Professors from different Universities and Colleges also presented their research article on Iqbal’s poetry and philosophy in the conference.

After the lunch the audience enjoyed the group performance of Persian department’s students on Iqbal’s poetry which was presented with music. A tablow was also presented by them on Iqbal’s poem “Insan aur Bazm-e-Qudrat” taken from “Bang-e-Dara”. The audience appreciated the performance of the students and was very much amused. At the end of the session Dr.Uzma Qureshi Worthy Vice Chancellor LCWU thanked the guests, appreciated Persian department’s effort and expressed her views about Iqbal and his poetry that Iqbal is   no doubt a thinker, philosopher and poet of International fame and his philosophy of “khudi” i.e., “one’s knowledge of his own hidden potential “specially addresses the young generation then she awarded shields to the speakers and guests. On the third day Professors of Political Science and Education department presented their research articles on different aspects of Iqbal’s poetry. 

Students of Political science and education department also presented their articles on Iqbal and recited Iqbal’s poetry in group and amused the audience. Last day of the conference also included a “Ghazal Night” held at Iran Culture Centre, Lahore in the Honour of Iranian poets. Dr.Safa Kazmiyan and some Pakistani poets, Scholars and students such as Dr.Syed Akram Shah Ikram, Prof Dr.Muhammad Nasir, Prof Dr.Iqbal Shahid, Dr.Faleeha Zahra Kazmi, Ms.Shabana Sahar, and Ms.Rabia Asif presented Persian poetry which was very much liked by both Irani and Pakistani audience. Closing session was followed by a very delightful Irani Pakistani dinner.

International Conference on Language Sciences and Developing World has opened the new horizons to provide a foundation to the Stakeholders for an effective policy formation regarding languages and linguistics in the developing countries”, a message of the Chief Guest Governor Punjab delivered by Dr. Khaliqur Rehman, VC Government College University on the occasion of First International Two days Conference at LCWU (11th Jan, 13-12th Jan, 13).

While addressing to the Occasion Dr. Sabiha Mansoor said there is a dire need of appropriate and focused work on language in Pakistan. The main objective of the Conference is to compile a book containing the work of the participants of the conference which in result will help the policy makers in reforming the curriculum. Moreover she said that 23 papers will be presented in this conference and foreign delegates from more than 12 countries are presenting their papers as well.

“Pakistan is a Multi-Linguistic State, there shall be a critical evaluation system for the linguistics in order to teach them well. Whereas we should consider the application of Language sciences in the context of law, crime prevention, health , cvil services, sciences, defence and national security”, was the message by Imtiaz Huaasin Gillani, Executive Chairman HEC was delivered by the Convener of the Conference.

Dr. AhmerMahmoob the Co-convener of the conference from University of University, Australia presented one of his papers with the title “language sciences and the developing world”. He said that the experts associated languages need to explore and hegemonies the relationship between minority and disadvantaged language to the dominant languages and consider the opportunities of development and development for the speakers of these languages. 

The VC Panel discussion was chaired by Dr. Samina Kardar , VC Fatima Jinnah Women University including Dr. Sabiha Mansoor, VC LCWU, Dr.  Nizam VC, Gujrat University and Dr. Khaliqur Rehman, VC GCU as panellists.

Prof Dr. Naz Rasool , The University of Reading presented her paper on “Making Language policy Choices for social development in 21st century :dilemmas and possibilities”, said that developing countries throughout south Asian region have rich linguistic heratige that remains underutilized In the educational process. 

Three days international conference “NEW TRENDS IN NATURAL SCIENCES: PUBLIC HEALTH, FOOD NUTRITION AND SAFETY’

The department of Biotechnology and Zoology, LCWU organized three days International Conference “NEW TRENDS IN NATURAL SCIENCES: PUBLIC HEALTH, FOOD NUTRITION AND SAFETY’ NTNS-II, 2018 FROM 24th – 26th October, 2018.  The main objective of the conference was to provide a platform to provide information about public health strategies and basic food practices both Nationally and Internationally and to motivate the participants to make positive changes that influence our common food related practices 

Delegates from USA, UK, Canada, Turkey, China, Iran, UAE attended the conference and presented their work. The event was attended by a large number of Participants from different institutes/universities from all over Pakistan as well as abroad. The main organizers Prof. Dr. Farkhana Manzoor and Prof. Dr. Shagufta Naz in their concluding Remarks thanked HEC and PHEC for giving funding to organize this mega event. The guests as well as participants appreciated the efforts of the organizers and congratulated the whole team in making this even a success.  

23rd to 25th September 2019 : The Department of Gender & Development Studies, Lahore College for Women University” developed linkages & research collaboration under the HEC funded project “Strengthening of Faculties of LCWU” with Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand. To proceed further with linkages program, Prof. Kyoko Kusakabe HOD Development & Sustainability at Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand visited Department of Gender and Development Studies, LCWU for training of GDS faculty and students.  Prof. Kyoko Kusakabe delivered lectures on Three Days’ Workshop on “Gender Analysis” 23rd to 25th September 2019 organized by Department of Gender & Development Studies, LCWU.
On 23rd September 2019, Miss Nayab Javed (Lecturer GDS) welcomed her and introduced Prof Kyoko Kusakabe with Workshop participants. Furthermore, Prof. Kyoko Kusakabe delivered lecture on “Gender Analysis”, then she started group discussion with GDS Faculty and students regarding identification of gender issues. The Vice Chancellor Lahore College for Women University, Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza graced the event and exchanged their views about challenges in emerging gender and technology issues. GDS faculty arranged a tour of historical places for Prof. Kyoko Kusakabe, they visited Masjid Wazeer Khan and Lahore Fort. 
On 24th September 2019, Prof. Kyoko Kusakabe delivered lecture on “Gender and Environment”, she discussed about her research work on her area of specialization. She also shared her research report on “Jobs In Sezs: Migrant garment factory workers in the Mekong region”.  Moreover, case studies were discussed in different groups. On the second day, GDS faculty arranged another tour of walled city for Prof. Kyoko Kusakabe, they visited Badshahi Mosque and Food Street.
On 25th September 2019, MS students of Gender & Development Studies, presented their research work and had positive feedback from Prof. Kyoko. She admired the selected topics of research and their methodology. Miss Nayab Javed acknowledged all the participants and distinguished guest for visiting LCWU. In addition, Prof. Dr. Talat Sohail, Director Women Institute for Leadership and Learning joined in certificate distribution ceremony. Certificates were distributed by Prof. Kyoko Kusakabe among the 30 participants of workshop including GDS faculty and students.  At the end, Dr. Subha Malik HOD Gender and Development Studies presented a shield to Prof Kyoko Kusakabe.  

ORIC-LCWU showcased products of Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Electrical Engineering Departments in Conference Cum Expo (23rd - 24th September 2019) at PCSIR Laboratories Complex, Lahore. The LCWU stall was visited by a large number of participants which showed deep interest in various products of above-mentioned departments especially homes automation project by Dr. Taskeen, Assistant Professor from the Electrical Engineering Department. Chief Guest of the event lauded the efforts of LCWU in focusing on applied research. It is pertinent to mention that LCWU participated in PCSIR exhibition due to the keen interest of Director ORIC Prof. Dr. Farkhanda Manzoor.

A Calligraphy Exhibition (24^th September 2019) by the Students of Persian Department, LCWU

Persian department of Lahore College for Women University Lahore organized a calligraphy exhibition of 68 art works of    students on 24^th September 2019. The exhibition was inaugurated by Muhammad Raza Nazari, Consul General of Iran Lahore, along with Vice Chancellor Lahore College for Women University Prof Dr. Bushra Mirza.

The ceremony started with the recitation of Holy Quran after which Dr. Faleeha Zahra Kazmi Chairperson Persian Department introduced the exhibition and said that it is organized to promote the Islamic art among new generation and bring forth their hidden qualities.

Mr. Muhammad Raza Nazari said artworks on display reflect the Islamic art of calligraphy which has always been a source of inspiration both in Iran and Pakistan.He also declared art as a best source of bringing both Iran and Pakistan together. He highlighted the importance of cultural exchanges between both the countries.

Prof Dr. Bushra Mirza in her address appreciated the efforts of students and staff of Persian Department, which had gone into organizing such a beautiful exhibition. she while highlighting the importance of calligraphy said it does not just fulfil aesthetic   needs but spiritual needs as well. Then both the chief guests were invited for practicing calligraphy. Which they did before the   audience and enjoyed the experience.

A documentary was also presented to introduce the audience with the magnificent Islamic art of calligraphy. Director General Iran Culture Center Mr. Razai fard, Dean & Directors of different faculties as well as a large number of students visited the exhibition, took a keen interest in art show and were highly inspired by the spirit of students their passion and artworks.

In the end souvenirs were presented to the honorable guests and prizes were distributed among the students of most eminent work. The ceremony was followed by a delightful tea.