The event was graced by distinguished guests including Prof. Dr. Zia Ul-Qayyum, Executive Director, Higher Education Commission (HEC); Dr. Noor Amna Malik, Managing Director, NAHE; Mr. Munib ur Rehman, Program Coordinator; Mr. Zaidi, Program Developer; along with members of the HEC team, senior leadership from LCWU, the Program Management Committee (PMC), and participants of the program.In his keynote address, Prof. Dr. Zia Ul-Qayyum emphasized that the occasion was not merely a celebration of the program’s successful completion, but a powerful affirmation of the resilience, potential, and growth of women in academia. He highlighted that WEMP was strategically designed to empower female faculty by enabling them to foster networks and partnerships within their institutions, thereby contributing to a more positive and productive academic ecosystem. He further underscored the importance of extending such initiatives to co-educational universities to support faculty development nationwide. He reiterated HEC’s commitment to building a robust and innovative higher education system that fuels socio-economic and cultural progress in Pakistan and beyond. He also commended Dr. Noor Amna Malik and LCWU for their commendable efforts in this regardDr. Noor Amna Malik, MD NAHE, shared that WEMP was conceived as a visionary initiative to support early and mid-career female faculty through structured mentorship, meaningful dialogue, and collaborative learning. Within a few months, the program has evolved from concept to a dynamic platform fostering leadership and academic sisterhood across women universities. She applauded LCWU' leadership for taking the lead in institutionalizing WEMP and for its continued efforts in nurturing an enriched academic and professional culture. Ms Malik also acknowledged Prof Dr Uzma Quraishi 's contributions as a member of the Steering Committee and Program module Developer.Prof. Dr. Uzma Quraishi, Vice Chancellor, LCWU, highlighted the transformative impact of such initiatives on promoting professionalism and positive learning environments within universities. She expressed gratitude to Executive Director, HEC, NAHE, and their leadership for their unwavering support. She also extended heartfelt appreciation to the LCWU team, especially the PMC, Focal Person Prof. Dr. Fakhra Aziz, Committee Chair Dr. Farzana, Committee Secretary Dr. Tahira Kalsoom, and Dr. Afifa Khanum, for their dedication and professionalism in ensuring the success of the program. She congratulated all mentors and mentees for their valuable contributions and leadership.Presenting the program report, Dr. Tahira Kalsoom shared that the first cohort comprised 12 mentors who engaged 27 mentees through one-on-one and small-group mentoring. In some cases, mentors guided multiple mentees across departments. Key outcomes of the program included:

1. Six collective mentoring sessions an

over 100 individual mentoring

engagements over three months.

2. Development of Professional

Development Plans (PDPs) by all.

mentees.

3. Identification and cultivation of

leadership potential among early and

mid-career faculty.She announced the expansion of the program in its second cohort, which will now include 36 mentors and 110 mentees.
Mr. Munib ur Rehman, Program Coordinator, congratulated all mentors for generously sharing their time and insights, and acknowledged the mentees for embracing growth and reflection. He remarked that the participants exemplify what women can achieve when empowered with opportunities for personal and professional development.
Also in attendance were Prof. Dr. Humaira Majeed, Dean, Faculty of Pharmaceutical and Allied Health Sciences, and Prof. Dr. Zohra Kiyani, Director DFDI—both mentors in the program—whose contributions, alongside those of other participants, were warmly recognized and appreciated.