The Pakistan Women in Leadership Network is part of a broader community of Australia Awards graduates in South and West Asia who are committed to preserving relationships with Australia while actively campaigning for and supporting women’s growth.
Learn what motivates Pakistan’s most active Australia Awards Women in Leadership Network participants, as well as what they do and the improvements they aspire to see in the country.
1. 1. Asma Zulfiqar
1.1. Educational Researcher and Consultant
Women I met in Gilgit who were independent in their own way despite being subject to socio-cultural constructs were the ones who inspired me the most in life.
Asma Zulfiqar
1.2. Who inspires you?
My greatest motivation comes from the ladies I had the opportunity to engage with and live with in Gilgit for over two and a half years. Despite being influenced by socio-cultural notions, they were self-sufficient in their own right. The zeal with which the mothers expressed their wish for their children, particularly females, to be educated demonstrated how enlightened their thoughts were. The little conversations I had with these women revealed how forward-thinking they are.
Furthermore, the females I taught had a rebellious attitude, not a harmful one, but one that demonstrated that they could achieve despite society’s patriarchal rules. These women’s recollections continue to inspire me even now.
1.3. What changes do you want to drive in Pakistan?
Among the improvements I wish to see in Pakistan are educational reforms focused on school leadership and student and teacher well-being. In order to move Pakistan ahead, I feel that diversity in education, 21st century learning skills, increasing teacher worth, and bridging the gap between the public and private sectors are critical.
1.4. Tell us more about you?
I enjoy traveling, writing, and taking photographs. I am a single person who currently resides with my parents.
1.5. Fields of Work
- Education Research
- Leadership
- Management
- Teaching
1.6. Education
- Master of Education from the University of Melbourne, Australia (made possible through an Australia Awards Scholarship)
1.7. Social Life – Asma Zulfiqar
2. 2. Unaeza Alvi
2.1. Assistant Professor, Deputy Director Distance Education—Sukkur IBA University
I want to make a difference in Pakistan by reducing poverty through education.
Unaeza Alvi
2.2. Who inspires you?
Hazrat Khadija, for your bravery and foresight.
Helen Keller, Bilquis Edhi, and Dr Ruth Pfau for their humanitarian efforts.
In terms of politics and human rights, Benazir Bhutto and Asma Jahangir stand out.
Abida Parveen was recognized for her contributions to Sufi music.
Marie Curie, for her groundbreaking work in radioactivity and for being the first woman to receive the Nobel Prize.
2.3. What changes do you want to drive in Pakistan?
I want to make a difference in Pakistan by decreasing poverty via education and supporting in the development of educated and empowered women. I also want to focus on examination and assessment changes, as well as curriculum and textbook reforms, in order to promote change for a better Pakistan.
2.4. Tell us more about you?
I formed the ‘Scientific Association of Pakistan,’ a non-profit professional organization that promotes science education. In addition, I created Pakistan’s first Mobile Scientific and Technology Laboratory to promote science education in rural regions and at the grassroots level.
I am happily married with a loving mother, spouse, and two young clever and independent lads studying at the college level.
I am an excellent cook, I write science textbooks for the general public, and I like teaching science and assisting kids in obtaining overseas scholarships and possibilities.
2.5. Fields of Work
- Educationist
- Science and Technology Educator
- Sustainability
- Environment
2.6. Education
- Master in Education in Mathematics and Science Education from Monash University, Australia (made possible through an Australia Awards Scholarship)
- Master in Science from the University of Karachi, Pakistan
2.7. Social Life – Unaeza Alvi
3. 3. Waheeda Mahesar
3.1. Director—SZABIST-ZABTech (iTVE)
I want to see a Pakistan that provides equal opportunities and justice for all.
Waheeda Mahesar
3.2. Who inspires you?
Benazir Bhutto, Indira Gandhi, and Angela Merkel for their contributions to government, politics, and women’s emancipation.
Mother Teresa and Dr Ruth Pfau, for their humanitarian work.
Helen Keller, for her enormous contributions to the welfare of individuals with disabilities.
Rosa Parks, in recognition of her civil rights efforts.
3.3. What changes do you want to drive in Pakistan?
I work in technical and vocational education for Sindh’s impoverished and marginalized populations. I am a cheerful person who enjoys reading and inspiring people, as well as a feminist, traveler, positive thinker, moderator, and speaker. I am not married at the moment.
3.4. Tell us more about you?
I want to promote gender equality while while working toward a peaceful and impoverished Pakistan. I want to see a Pakistan where everyone has equal access to opportunity and justice.
3.5. Fields of Work
- Administration
- Leadership
- Educationist
- Social Worker
3.6. Education
- Master in Computer Science from University of Sindh, Pakistan
- Australia Awards Short Course in Supporting the Strengthening of TVET: Policy and Management – Pakistan from Queensland University of Technology, Australia.
3.7. Social Life – Waheeda Mahesar
4. 4. Faiza Rehman Syed
4.1. Research Consultant and Coordinator, National Disaster Management Authority
I am inspired by people who use their thoughts, ideas and words to enhance their personalities.
Faiza Rehman Syed
4.2. Who inspires you?
Thoughts, ideas, and words have always inspired me, as have others who utilize them to improve their personality. As a result, I am a huge fan of Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Oprah Winfrey.
4.3. What changes do you want to drive in Pakistan?
I want to see education improvements, gender and class equality, student well-being, and environmental preservation in Pakistan.
4.4. Tell us more about you?
I am blissfully married to someone who believes in my independence more than I do. I am the mother of two wonderful sons, one of which is a budding pianist and the other a budding cricketer.
I have two brothers, but I never felt the need for a sister because my brothers are my greatest buddies. Nature, travel, hiking, reading, music, long drives, iPhone photography, meeting new people, art, and literature are all things I like.
4.5. Fields of Work
- Educationist
- Educator
- Management and Leadership
- Social Worker
- Editor
4.6. Education
My educational life began at Presentation Convent in Rawalpindi. A Master of Fine Arts degree spurred me to paint and exhibit; but, that creativity was quickly replaced by an unexplainable need to empower the less fortunate.
Every child has the same right to an education and happiness, regardless of their socioeconomic situation, color, or religion. This desire inspired me to pursue a Master’s degree in Educational Management and Leadership at the University of Melbourne in Australia, which was made possible by an Australia Awards Scholarship.
4.7. Social Life – Faiza Rehman Syed
If you liked this article, then please do share it on the Social Media. If you have a question or suggestion? Then you may leave a comment below to start the discussion.
