SCIENCE AND INNOVATION SEMINAR AND LAUNCHING OF BUSINESS INCUBATION CENTRE CELEBRATED AT FATIMA JINNAH MEDICAL UNIVERSITY ON THE OCCASION OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, 2023.

The Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization at Fatima Jinnah Medical University organized a Seminar Themed “ Women in Science and Innovation” to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Member of National Assembly Ms. Shaista Pervaiz Malik graced the occasion as the Chief Guest while Vice Chancellor Fatima Jinnah Medical University Professor Khalid Masood Gondal was the Patron-in-Chief.

The Business Incubation Center was officially launched at the Seminar, with a call for startup ideas for students, faculty and alumini. The aims of this program is to transform innovative ideas into startups that are financially viable. When independently supported, these will help in creating jobs, enable fresh graduates to become job providers rather than job seekers, help commercialize new technologies, and strengthen communities and economies.

Director ORIC, Dr. Azra Mehmud organized the seminar. During her inaugural talk, she highlighted the gender disparities in health, research and academia. She said that the purpose of this special event was to create awareness about Women Empowerment.

Speakers from various institutions including Dr. Shepar Mirza from LUMS University, Dr. Ayesha Humayun from Sheikh Zayed Medical Complex, Dr. Maryam Hussain from Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital and Dr. Aqsa Shabbir from Lahore College for Women University participated as invited speakers.

Ex-Vice Chancellor Prof. Shamsa Humayun, Registrar Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nadeem, Principal Prof. Dr. Noreen Akmal, Deans Prof. Muniza Qayyum, Prof. Munazza Iqbal, Director Quality Enhancement Cell Prof. Bilquis Shabbir, Faculty Members of Academic Council and a large number of students attended.

The Invited speakers gave detailed briefings on various topics regarding women empowerment. They said that women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent. Women should make full use of their abilities and play their role in the development of the country and nation.

Member National Assembly Ms. Shaista Pervez Malik paid tribute to the supervision and leadership of Vice Chancellor Fatima Jinnah Medical University Prof. Khalid Masood Gondal and congratulated him on being elected as President, College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan. She said that his philanthropic services in the field of medicine are unparalleled. She further said that Fatima Jinnah Medical University is an excellent educational institution where the best Medical Education is being provided to female students.

While referring to the International Women’s Day, she appreciated the seminar organized by the ORIC Department and said she actively promotes women empowerment in the National Assembly. She said that while the Qur’an, orders women to veil, men are also ordered to keep their eyes down.

Professor Khalid Masood Gondal thanked the Chief Guest Ms. Shaista Pervez Malik for participating in the seminar. He acknowledged Ms. Shaista Pervez Malik as the only female member of the National Assembly who was elected as MNA from Lahore. Her said that the entire family’s services to Pakistan were commendable. He also thanked all the speakers from the various institutions.

He further said that it is a great honor for him to be elected as the President of CPSP. He said that all the credit for this success owed to the Fellows, Teachers and students of Fatima Jinnah Medical University. Referring to the International Women’s Day, he said that the newly formed Council of CPSP has elected a female Professor Ayesha Siddiqa from Balochistan as the vice president of CPSP, which is a living example of women empowerment.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal commended the efforts of Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization for organizing such a successful seminar. He said that Islam has given the best rights to women, whether mothers, sisters, wives or daughters and has empowered them. The sacrifices of women in our society are unparalleled. Therefore, educated women are very important for building a nation. .

At the end of the seminar, certificates and souvenirs were awarded to Ms. Shaista Parvez Malik and other speakers by Vice Chancellor Prof. Khalid Masood Gondal and Director ORIC, Dr. Azra Mahmud.