The Department of Biotechnology at Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS) organized a one-day seminar on December 05, 2024, in collaboration with the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) and the Dr. A. Q. Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE), University of Karachi. The seminar, titled "STEM Pioneers: Women's Contribution to Innovative Research in Remote Areas," was held at BUITEMS' Takatu campus.
The event featured an opening address by the executive Member, OWSD, Dr. Rozeena Shaikh who commended the organizing committee and emphasized the sacrifices and resilience of women who continue to make strides in STEM despite societal challenges. The Chief Gest of the event was Prof. Dr. Khalid Hafeez, Vice Chancellor, BUITEMS. The seminar included engaging panel discussions with esteemed women leaders, including Prof. Dr. Rukhsana Jabeen Haleem, Prof. Dr. Mudassir Asrar, Prof. Shereen Gul Kakar, Ms. Fouzia Shaheen, and Ms. Saeeda Yasmeen Raisani, who shared their inspiring journeys in science and development. They discussed the unique hurdles faced by women in remote areas and the critical role of societal support, particularly from men, in empowering women to excel.
The seminar sparked enthusiasm among students, who actively participated in discussions about breaking barriers and advancing women’s roles in STEM fields. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Prof. Dr. Muhammad Naeem Shahwani, Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences and Informatics, who highlighted the importance of such initiatives in fostering progress and innovation. Prof. Dr. Khalid Hafeez congratulated the organizing committee of Department of Biotechnology and appreciated the efforts of inspirational iron ladies in the field of Science and Technology in Balochistan region.
The seminar was proudly sponsored by Supertek, Quetta, and Sure Bio Diagnostics and Pharmaceutics, Karachi, whose support made this impactful celebration of women’s contributions to STEM possible.