Founder Women Engineers Pakistan, Ramla Karim Qureshi spoke to students at IET Women's Network at University of Engineering and Technology, UET Lahore from a virtual portal. Ramla is a Structural and Earthquake engineer by profession, and is presently pursuing specialization at the State University of New York, UB. She graduated from NUST in 2012 with a BE in Civil Engineering. Now she hopes to increase STEM Education in Pakistan, generating more interest within Pakistani women.
Check out her talk about importance of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM Fields) in Pakistan below:
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Landing a tech internship in Pakistan has not only become a very tricky process but seemingly, also an incredibly difficult one. Competition is tougher than ever and market saturation is prevailing rampantly across our nation, no longer limited to only the main cities such as Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad.
More importantly it is no longer substantial to have a good degree from a good university as a fresh graduate are required to have “experience” before “experience” in order to land a tech internship. However, fear not young readers, for this article solely focuses on attaining a tech internship within Pakistan alone, addressing some particular issues that can only be found in Pakistan when trying to land a tech internship. I personally found it astonishing to discover that many graduates in this field are unable to properly describe what a tech internship really is. Thus, let us begin by offering concise understanding of this before diving into the process of successfully landing a tech internship. So What Is A Tech Internship?
6 Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy Steps of Landing a Tech Internship in Pakistan:Number 1: Think Outside of the metaphorical box that is your resume;
Don't make haste and assume resumes are not important. They are crucial when it comes to landing a tech internship, however, the reality is that resumes are kind of old school. As an alternative, an online portfolio could go a long way in getting you noticed. This is because it increases your visibility and makes your presence known on an array of different platforms. An online portfolio offers you the edge of diversity which is crucial in landing a tech internship in Pakistan, specially considering the fact that you do not want to be seen as a carbon copy of every individual that possess the same degree as you.
Number 2: Do Not Be Afraid to Try or Say New Ideas;
I once heard someone say that “new ideas are like a breath of fresh air.”
As the world around us is becoming relatively homogeneous due to globalization a consequence of this is the “Mcdonaldlisation” of society and ideas. This basically means that people are losing traits and characteristics that are unique to them, their culture, and heritage in exchange for global trends that might seem more efficient, but which are also highly impersonal and lackluster. For this precise reason companies looking to hire interns are seeking for new ideas and pioneering projects. Therefore, in an interview do not be afraid to give your opinion and individualistic perspective about upcoming ideas. This can show your potential employer that you are a motivated and excited about landing an internship with them, and are willing to work vigorously to succeed. More prominently, it indicates that you are a confident individual who is willing to take calculated risks in the field of innovation. This is crucial to current tech companies looking to hire interns. Number 3: Do Your Research;
All in all this means come prepared to the interview! Not solely in terms of rehearsing your answers to the likely questions that you are to be asked, but this also implies knowing the “ins and outs” of the company you are trying to gain an internship for. In order to do so, it would be wise to keep in mind the following points:
Number 4: Power of Passion;
Passionate people have the potential to engage the interviewer especially because they stand out from the rest of the applicants. “During your interview or at a networking event, tell companies what you’re passionate about. Show them that you can make a dent.” - Mike Champion said this in his article on successfully scoring a tech internship and I cannot agree with him more.
Passion is an innate and personal quality that can only be attained when you are genuinely looking forward to the internship; so please do show how passionate you are about the position. Especially, as it will distinguish those Pakistani interns applying simply to reach a means to an end, and those Pakistani interns applying for a genuine love of technology. Make it a point to demonstrate your wish to further your professional development and growth from a career and personal perspective in the field of tech, and let them know why their company is the place to do so. Number 5: Be a Team player;
Usually in the framework of a tech internship, as the internship commences, the norm is not that the intern be working alone. They have to engage with or be a part of a bigger team for assignments, projects and at times even field work. Therefore, though it is good to possesses leadership qualities one also has to come off as a team player. Now, many of you must be thinking "How can I come off as a team player in a 40 minute interview?”
This is very easy, for example try using the terms “we” instead of “I” when talking about group projects or “hum” instead of “mein” if your interview is partly being conducted in Urdu. This will show the interviewer that you are probably a better working cultural fit than candidates that don’t show much interest in collaborating with their co -workers. Number 6: Fix Up and Look Sharp;
I cannot begin to stress how important this statement is. Remember when it comes to landing an internship presentation is everything, well, 80% of everything; because if you are not dressed appropriately, or if you look either too done up or too casual both can be your downfall.
Therefore, it is always best to dress in a professional manner. For men, a simple white/ blue collar shirt, black trousers, belt, socks and polished shoes and for women a nice shalwar kameez with tidy hair shall do the trick. Remember, personal hygiene and professional look account for a lot, especially when it comes to making first impressions. So do not falter in this regard.
Lastly, here are some simple DO's and Don’ts to landing a tech internship in Pakistan:
DO
DO NOT
Here are some YouTube videos for extra luck and preparation: Iman ShoaibVivacious. And making waves. Pakistan has a major chunk of population which is lying idle as an inactive member of the labour force. In order to avoid the wastage of this resource, the reasons which hinder their active participation in the economy must be addressed. A major cause for non-participatory workforce is the inability of the people to go out of their home to find work, especially women. Women are generally looked upon as the only ones to fulfill domestic responsibilities, for which they often must find convenient ways to earn from home in Pakistan. Earning from home has various advantages. It saves the cost of daily commute from work to home, it has flexible working hours, it helps you spend more time with your friends and family and above all it gives you confidence and a sense of empowerment because you contribute to the economy. There are various ways in which you can earn from home but I have listed 10 of them for you. 1. Graphic Designing:Freelancer.pk, upwork.com, peopleperhour.com and many more bring the employee and employer in contact. Those who want to work from home can take online projects from these certified and authentic websites and work according to their comfort level. Short graphic designing courses are offered by various institutions and online, too which can help you enhance your skills at the job. 2. Article writing and blogging:Various websites are looking for potential bloggers and content writers on a daily basis. There are plenty of them advertised on freelancer, Craigslist, fiverr, freelance writing gigs, etc. This task not only earns you a handsome amount but also gives you the opportunity of enhancing your knowledge by researching a varied range of topics. It is also a neat little entry in your resume while you sit and earn from home in Pakistan. 3. Developer:If you are a software developer, JavaScript Developer, HTML 5 Developer, iOS developer, Java Developer or any other app or software developer and you need flexible working hours and your personal space to work, you can work from home. Toptal is an example of where you can get the right match for your expertise. Although it has a tough screening process but it links you with some of the leading names in the market like J.P.Morgan, axel springer and start- ups in the Silicon Valley, London, Switzerland, Japan, etc. Guru and others also have opportunities for potential developers. 4. DIY projects:One form of creative work which can be done from home, and can still earn you an honest paycheck is by marketing something you’ve been doing just for leisure or that has been your passion. If you are good at crafts, designing clothes, creating party props, etc. then all you need is to cash your talent. Market your idea well using social media outlets or by involving a few friends and start off from a lower scale to start to earn from home in Pakistan. Once things start gaining ground, launch something new. This can be a continuous process of re-creating and experimenting what you love. 5. Tutoring:Another resourceful way of making efficient use of your knowledge and earn at the same time is through mentoring or tutoring. You can always offer your services to kids in the local vicinity, or even online. If you think you were good at a particular subject in your college or university or you recently took training for a certain skill which you think other people might need as well, you can definitely earn through it. 6. Consultancy:Consultancy is gaining immense popularity these days. Earning by giving your expert opinion about things which others might find difficult is an increasing source of income for people who have the ease of working from home. Providing consultancy on Human Resource, legal issues, real estate market, etc. are a few popular one. You can connect to a specific group which provides consultancy or you can either provide your services as a freelancer. 7. Virtual Assistant:If you are good at data entry, managing social tasks, managing emails, creating data presentations, doing online research, etc. then a job of a Virtual Assistant is fit for you. Freelancer and Upwork have many job postings of virtual assistants which are well-paid and easy to comply with while being at home. 8. Catering:Cooking and selling stuff that your family and friends compliment you for, can be a great business idea. Cook from home and sell it to people at their door step. This can become fairly easy if you are passionate about cooking or baking. You can use a few marketing strategies to create a buzz about your business and then start off. 9. Social Media Manager:Jobs which require managing social media accounts of a specific organization or personalities is also a home-based task. This task earns you well, depending upon the time which your employer asks you to spend online. Freelancer, staff.com and many more advertise such jobs on a regular basis. All you need is a few SEO skills and efficient use of social media networks. 10. Customer Service Agent:A customer service agent’s job requires you to be an organization’s representative and communicate with its customers on its behalf. It is usually outsourced and home-based, enabling you to establish yourself and earn from home in Pakistan. Upwork has a variety of customer service agent jobs displayed. A good internet connection, efficient English-speaking (generally) and communication skills can make you fit for this job. Sara MashhadiBe the change you want to see. Although STEM has been a male-dominated field in Pakistan, it hasn’t stopped women from making exceptional contributions to the field. Some initiatives taken by Pakistani women to create an impact through technology, are not only note-worthy but also inspirational. Here are a few Pakistani women in tech that have, in my personal opinion, reassured that technology and innovation is beyond gender differences and is purely about skill and innovation. 1. JEHAN ARA (@jehan_ara)Jehan Ara is the President of Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT & ITES (P@SHA) and the tech incubator NEST I/O. She tops this list not only because of her position but also because of the initiatives she has taken. She is an ardent supporter of legislation for cyber crime, and privacy and data protection. She is also part of the “Bolo Bhi” campaign, and gives seminars and motivational talks in various training programs where she strongly advocates her cause. Jehan Ara has more than 30 years of experience in the field of technology, where she has been using her marketing, communication and entrepreneurial skills to bring techies and entrepreneurs on-board. 2. AYESHA FAROOQPakistani women in tech never stop amazing us!! A small city in southern Punjab, Bahawalpur, is where the first female fighter pilot of Pakistan comes from. Ayesha Farooq joined the Pakistan Air Force Academy in 2006 and was destined to become a war pilot ever since. She was the first among six girls to pass her examination and was ready to fly the F7-PG, which is the Chinese version of MiG 21 fighter jet. Farooq has undergone hard-core technical and physical training also required by men in the same field, and is looked upon as a role model by many girls aspiring to be a part of the Pakistan Air Force. 3. SHEBA NAJMI (@snajmi)A Stanford graduate with a majors in Human-Computer interactions, Sheba Najmi is the Founder and Executive Director of Code For Pakistan (CFP). CFP is a volunteer based, non-profit organization which brings web developers and government domain experts together to improve the quality of services provided by civic institutions. It is helping bridge a gap between government and citizens by providing smart solutions for everyday problems. DocSeek, Messiha, NoKunda, and KP Traffic are a few of the Apps which have been developed by volunteers at CFP. Najmi has been involved in product innovation and user experience for over 11 years now and is currently working with Exygy. She also has experience working with The World Bank, Yahoo!, Inc., Code for America, LUXE Valet and many others, and is one of the most inspiring Pakistani women in tech! 4. MARIA UMAR (@MariaUmar)When you talk about giving digital empowerment to women, Maria Umar is the first name that comes to my mind. She is the Founder and President of “Women’s Digital League” (WDL). WDL provides freelancing training to women who can work from home, making it a priority to take into consideration the amount of talent which is left idle in the country. With an experience of over 7 years at WDL, Maria also works with Enclude as a project manager. She has been recognised for her efforts in various publications like Mashable, Forbes, Virgin, Ashoka, Dawn, etc. Maria has been trained by top business experts from Silicon Valley in Artemis/Goldman Sachs 10,000 women Program. Additional to all these accolades, she has also been nominated as a Thought Leader at the Ashoka Changemakers. 5. UMAIMAH MENDHRO (@umaimah)Coming from a small village in Pakistan and scoring a high distinction in Human Development and Computer Sciences at Cornell University, and later at Harvard University as well, Umaimah is the best example of integrating technology and entrepreneurship with innovation. She has established an e-commerce platform for designers and manufacturers to align their skills and provide customized and personalized products to customers. VIDA has more than 200 designers who provide digital designs to manufacturers in various places of the world, including Pakistan, and then sell the digitally printed scarves, handbags and dresses to people all over the world. Umaimah has had experience working with Microsoft and McKinsey & Company before coming up with the idea of VIDA. Although VIDA is only 2 years old as of now, the concept was able to raise a funding of $1.3 million from established names like Google Ventures, Universal Music Group and many more. As one of the established Pakistani women in tech, Not only is Umaimah proud of her Pakistani origin, she makes sure that she gives rightful credit to the Pakistani manufacturers and artists that are an integral part of VIDA. Ted Talk by UmaimahSara MashhadiBe the change you want to see.
In 2050 one would assume the world is likely to resemble the matrix in terms of technological developments and advancements in science. However, for a nation such as Pakistan that is to be far from the case. But we are getting ahead of ourselves, before we further elaborate the continuing of predictions on Pakistan in 2050, I feel an introduction is owed to those reading this blast from the future. If you are expecting to read a rosy report on Pakistan’s progress in science in the year 2050 I am very likely to disappoint. So, you might as well just stop reading, as sadly, our nation does not resemble Robert Zemeckis film Back to the Future in any way, shape or form. There are no hover boards being ridden and no robot driven flying cars. Thus, the traffic jam struggle in 2050 is still very much real in Lahore and Karachi. To be honest, the progress of science in Pakistan looks grim in the year 2050, but this should at least come as no surprise to the citizens residing here because in the past (those reading this, it’s your present) not enough input in terms of funds and investment in the field of science was put into what could have been a great scientifically progressive nation. Partly because the the government make it a top priority to invest in “R and D” (Research and Development) of science. This point may seem justifiable to some, as on one hand it can be argued that with the extent of poverty, rising illiteracy and the unjust judicial system, Pakistan has a lot more to worry about than just improving its progress in science. Which with all due respect is accurate, but the argument from the future is this; for Pakistan to emerge as a key player in the international arena and rise as a super power in South Asia it needs to develop and grow as a nation. A huge part of this involves investing time and resources into science and progressing forward in all fields related to science. The importance of this statement can be justified by for a minute imagining a Pakistan without nuclear capability. Many International Relations Analysts argue that Pakistan might have had a similar situation to that of Syria or Afghanistan if it was not for its nuclear capacity. Perhaps all of which would not have been possible had it not been for advancements in science. Moreover, it is important to understand that for a nation such as Pakistan progress in science would not solely benefit the nation’s status in the international arena, but would help the citizens of Pakistan in terms of health, better standards of living and quality of life. All of which is drastically needed by 2050 for people to utilize their resources in the most efficient and sustainable manner. The gateway towards all of these gains is science. The key therefore rests in the hands of the government and the citizens of Pakistan to make progression in science a top priority by changing the simple mind- set that short term solutions to long term problems is not always the accurate answer. More crucially what needs to be understood is this, that even in developing countries such as Pakistan the common link between the year 2016 and the year 2050 is that science has become a part of everyday life. For example, even in the rural areas of Pakistan's villages they have access to the internet and almost everyone has a mobile phone. This raises the point that instead of our nation utilizing or should i say brutalizing science for power and political gain, it should shift its scientific functions for progress in social welfare, construction, positive contribution in society and consequently bringing about a fruitful change in the Pakistan and the world via scientific progression. This point was elaborated beautifully in “future of science and technology in Pakistan”, a paper by Dr Abdul Rehman Memon. Furthermore, every Pakistani citizen should consider advancements in the field of Science their moral duty, as they owe it to numerous historical Muslim scientists and their predecessors to carry the name of Islam alongside science. This could not have been more eloquently put by this marvelously enlightening and scientifically enriching article titled “Pakistan’s future: innovation” But readers do not be disheartened by the current image of science in Pakistan 2050, for there exists a light at the end of the tunnel. I am happy to report that there has been a drastic increase in the number of women applying in the field of Science, technology, engineering and math, (S.T.E.M) in 2050. A lot more women have graduated from universities across Pakistan with degrees in the fields pertaining to Science, technology, engineering and math., and now we have a lot more Pakistani Female Scientists like myself. This is a direct result of societal change that has taken place in Pakistan due to the effects of globalization, women empowerment and fueling of female education in Pakistan. As a direct consequence of which in the year 2050 the female population of Pakistan shall be having a more enlightened scientific spirit of thought. This is partly due to the social changes that shall have occurred by the year 2050 in terms of women being conscious of their role as social activists of S.T.E.M, but mainly because it seems like a natural phenomena to be interested in the pursuit of truth and facts rather than continuing one's belief in superstitious nonsense. It is for this precise reason that the majority of women in Pakistan, except for the unpopular few, shall no longer succumb to reading their horoscopes in "Sunday times" or turning to palmists and peers for a change in fate. Illustrating the point of view that rational thought, especially among women, shall prevail more than ever in 2050. Lastly, though in the development of science Pakistan has a long way to go, you might recall you are reading a post from the future, therefore; you still have time to adapt and change your ways. If there is one lesson to be taken away from this article, it is that if the government of Pakistan does not implement change, reform and establish scientific institutions, and the citizens of Pakistan do not amend their ideological thought of undermining and under valuing the great gifts of scientific progression, then the future of science shall go from bleak to bleaker. As what is today's science is tomorrows technological effectiveness. Iman ShoaibVivacious. And making waves. The Current Situation:According to the World Bank Gender Gap Report (2014), Pakistan stands at 141 out of 142 countries in terms of gender disparity in the areas of education attainment, economic participation, political empowerment and health and survival. Pakistan has generally been in the lower tier in terms of gender disparity throughout the years as a result of various social, cultural and legislative barriers. A closer look into the report also tells us that the percentage of female personnel dedicated to Research and Development in STEM is 11 percent as compared to 89 percent men. Not only this, but the female-to-male ratio in professional and technical workforce is barely 0.28. Women in Science in Pakistan face a huge gap! What is the Government doing for Women in Science in Pakistan?The government has taken a number of initiatives, such as the abolition of the quota system in medical colleges, fixing quota for women in government boards and positions of authority, laws for protecting women at the workplace, etc. which have improved female participation in the economy. However the implementation of these laws, along with the introduction of new ones in specific sectors of the economy which are women-centered, must be carried out for better results. The Gems of Pakistan: Women in Science & TechPakistani women have an immense potential to excel and create an impact in whatever sectors of economy they participate in. Starting from STEM, and all the way to the informal sector, Pakistani women are putting in an effort which is impressive enough; however, if their capabilities are utilized to their fullest, the differences in the economic indicators will be magnificent. Women currently make 18.4 percent of the workforce in different fields of Sciences and Technology, according to the survey conducted by Pakistan Council for Science and Technology, as compared to 81.6 percent men. This figure gives us an insight into the amount of potential which has not yet been unleashed. There are leading Pakistani women scientists and engineers whose contributions show us that we need to look beyond gender differences and instead converge our attention to the significant additions they’ve made in their domain. Dr Nergis Mavalvala, Engr. Nida Farid, Dr. Sania Nishtar, Dr.Humaera Noor Minhas are a few renowned scientists, but there is an ever-growing number of Pakistani women who are involved in various research endeavors in specific fields of Science and Technology. Public- private partnerships have enabled many women to take up collaborative research programmes in foreign universities. Dr. Farzana Shaheen, Uzma Mehmood are recognized for their efforts and there are numerous others who are involved in such programmes and are a valuable addition to the country’s resources. Universities today have an ever-growing number of female engineers, not unlike medical colleges, which also have an increased enrollment rate for women. These indicators give an optimistic glimpse into the future of this country. However, a lacking point for Pakistan is the integration of this emerging talent into the workforce. The statistics mentioned in the beginning of this post are not too satisfactory either. Therefore, it becomes imperative to break the social and cultural barriers which hinder women in science and technology, and instead encourage initiatives which allow them to participate in the efforts towards the country’s progress, without seizing to abate legislative measures which impose a binding on women to contribute towards the uplifting of Pakistan’s economy. Sara MashhadiBe the change you want to see. "I grew up in Cambridge in England, and my love of mathematics dates from those early childhood days." - Andrew Wiles.Childhood: the time to grow, the time to see, the time to explore. So many of my childhood memories revolve around my toys, from Barbie doll tea parties in the mud, to playing hide and seek and all sorts of fun! Never did I know how to generate a child's interest in STEM fields with mere toys! There is no doubt that the fortunately blessed among us have had a lovely childhood where our minds were relaxed and we engaged in an array of childish play. Today however, the challenge that presents itself is to combine fun and education. I personally like to call it ‘fun-ducation’; not unlike the merging of two polar opposites such as broccoli and cheese, education and fun can also be harmoniously paired. Children are incredibly fond and therefore evidently attached to their toys. In retrospect when adults look back at their childhood, most are not likely to remember the food they ate, the words they spoke or even the friends they made. No, most children remember the toys they had, and that is because as adults most of us keep our toys. Even if they become raggedy, old and unrecognizable we keep them for sentiment. We keep them because they remind us of a time that was inexplicably innocent, and yet came to pass too quickly. In recent years many studies have brought to light the notion that a child’s interest in science should be established at an early age. And what better method to achieve this than giving your children toys that stimulate and nurture a child’s innate interest in the world around them; and henceforth science. However, before our readers can be enlightened as to what toys are best suited and most fun for establishing a child’s early interest in science, it is of pivotal importance that adults and parents alike understand the countless benefits that can be gained from such a collaboration. According to schoolatoz and various other educational institutions, the benefits of incorporating science from an early age into a child's life are substantial towards their socialization process. Let us observe some of the many benefits to be achieved from inculcating science into a child’s life via STEM related toys. NUMBER 1 - CURIOSITYFirstly, scientific or S.T.E.M related toys aid a parent in answering those tough questions children are prone to ask after the age of four. Such as “where does the moon come from?” and “what are the stars made of?" Children are wired to be curious about the world and the surrounding environment they reside in. It is only through their creative and artful curiosity that a child learns, grows, and develops. And what better way is there than to nurture such thoughts, and ignite a child's interest in STEM areas of thought through toys. NUMBER 2 - COMMUNICATIONSecondly, science opens up a gateway of communication between the parent and child. This is beneficial for both as it results in establishing open communication between the pair, which later builds into trust. It becomes even more advantageous for the child as he/she develops the basic tools required for communication. Additionally, the child’s thirst for questions is quenched through answers. NUMBER 3 - BUILD CHARACTERThirdly, patience and perseverance are two personality traits that are very hard to achieve, let alone master, especially at an older age. The great thing about science based toys is that they prepare children by allowing them to indirectly understand the importance of such values. For example, the pressed flower collection kit engages the child simultaneously, in the worlds of nature, art and science. Given the fact that it is not easy and that it is a time consuming process to make a herbarium, it also instills patience into both boys and girls. NUMBER 4 - INTEREST IN STEM FIELDSLastly, my personal favorite reason for using toys to generate an interest in science is because it teaches children that the world is bigger than just you and I. This is a lesson many adults still have trouble accepting, let alone learning. Thus, I would consider that it is not just “learning” but a “gift” granted by science that teaches children to understand and explore the world around them. So many children are inquisitive about the man in the clouds, the holes in the moon, the starry stars in the sky and the galaxies and planets so far and wide. Now, some of our readers may feel that these “scientific toys” are expensive and cannot be found or be of use to children in Pakistan. And yes, it is true, that such toys and kits for children are relatively pricey, however, it is for this precise reason that I have come up with a list of fun, functionally useful toys that parents can buy for children here in Pakistan or simply make at home. Hopefully, this list helps you put light to your child's interest in STEM, who knows he/she might grow up to become a world class space explorer or Nobel Prize winner in Physics!
As you can see from the list above there exists quite an array of toys one can make and/or buy for their child to generate an interest in science. Though, in my personal opinion the ideal toy for both girls and boys would be combining the “grow a maze” and “kids backyard bug” kit. For girls in particular I would suggest the scientific Barbie doll and for boys the robots/ or aircraft engine. The toy insider mom and I agree on the point that children growing up in the in the 21st century need to be especially equipped with knowledge and understanding of science, engineering, mathematics and technology based ideas. This is because that is the world that surrounds them and there is no better or more creatively fun way to achieve this than through “fun-ducation”, and the pathway to it is paved with science based toys. You may have to beg and plead with a child to do their homework but you will not have to ask them twice to play with their toys! Here is a link to websites that can assist parents in buying toys for their children that generate an interest in science and it’s not too heavy on the wallet either: Check out these cool videos to help with S.T.E.M Toys at home; And THIS!! And some AMAZING science experiments to do at home: Iman ShoaibVivacious. And making waves. “When I was a child, when I was an adolescent, books saved me from despair that convinced me that culture was the highest of values.” - Simone de Beauvoir on culture.In the sociological theoretical framework there lies no doubt that indeed culture plays an influential role in shaping the minds of those belonging to a particular society. Culture aids in the socialization process of a child. It can be safely said that culture shapes a child's interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields majorly. Being a fundamentally cultural oriented nation Pakistan is no exception to this natural rule of law. How Pakistani Culture shapes a child's interest in STEM:While speaking of the Pakistani culture it is important to understand that irrespective of economic class, religious creed, gender or tribe Pakistani’s truly value education in its purest form as a system to elevate, inform and reform the lives of those privileged enough to be a part of it whether their role be that of teacher or student. This is because for most families living here education is not seen as some commonplace “task” to be performed by the child nor some preordained and governed “obligation.” on the parent. Despite contrary beliefs education is seen as a beacon of hope, a light in a room full of darkness, an opportunity for a better standard of life; and a foundation for a better quality of life. Such deep statements are not just metaphorically heavy but weigh heavily on the child’s conscious too. This is because the majority of children in Pakistan see education as a pragmatic and realistic strategy that can alter their lives for the better. Furthermore, with regard to cultural influence of science, technology, engineering and math in Pakistan it is also pivotal to understand that realistically before educational institutions can focus on engaging children actively in the field of S.T.E.M the government needs to take a greater leap forward in investing in educational institutions. Currently Pakistan spends only 2.5pc of its GDP on education, one of the lowest rates in the world; with appalling figures such as these it’s safe to say that at this current junction in time our educational institutions are simply not delivering or rather not being given the fair and honest chance to. This was clearly stated in the Dawn News article – “Education in Pakistan” and I fully agree with the statement that the discrimination that can be found within the educations system needs to be addressed. However, on a more positive note the fact that such issues are even being brought to light and discussed on such wide platforms with solutions and critics posed every day raises the belief that there is still hope for educational reform via cultural enlightenment in Pakistan. Despite this traditional mind set adapting to suit the needs of modern day society it will take Pakistan just like any other developed nation before it truly achieves an egalitarian societal model. In which both male and female population of society are equally given the educational opportunities with regard to S.T.E.M. however, it is also important to portray a realistic picture and understand that no society is Utopian in nature. Thus, complete egalitarianism in any field, especially the field of education some sociologists would argue is not something that can be achieved in developed societies let alone developing ones such as Pakistan. However, this being said given closer observation of the culture of Pakistan only 30 years back a lot of emphasis was placed on the males of the family picking subjects suited to S.T.E.M. such as mathematics and sciences especially so that later on boys would excel in job fields that catered to such professions such as mechanical engineering, computer engineering, doctors and so on. While society socialised females in their subconscious minds to opt for subjects such as social sciences or “soft” subjects so that females in particular learned to knit, sow, iron in order to fit the traditional western and eastern gender roles. For examples; in Lahore attaining a bachelor’s degree from home economics was considered the height of educational refinement for a young lady. Backtracking there is no doubt Pakistan has come a long way from the traditional gender roles and yet it is also true that the nation has still has a long way to go however in that case, so does the western world. For in many western cultures, such as that of the Unites States only recently has the debate emerged as to whether children from an early age should be exposed to the ideas and opportunities of S.T.E.M. Questions have arose as to when is the best possible time or optimum age that a child should be allowed to engage in S.T.E.M related subjects? This question was answered eloquently by the NAAEE as their feature story illustrates that it is never too early to start a child’s education on S.T.E.M. this is because growth and knowledge of any kind is beneficial for a child, regardless of whether the child is a young girl or a young boy. This societal advancement and understanding of exposing children to S.T.E.M has not yet emerged in Pakistan but given the current trends of our generation’s men and women the future of educational enlightenment with regard to science, technology, engineering and math (S.T.E.M) seems bright. And soon Pakistan too shall follow in the path of other western educational models that are emerging with regard to this field of study. I recently conducted a questionnaire asking 10 children; 5 girls and 5 boys from Froebel's International High School to rate their experience with math from; excellent, good, fair to poor. The findings of my study were as follows: 3/5 girls; (Meesha Baig, Minahil Mansoor and Minal) rated their experience with math as “good”. While Aimal Shoaib and Maresha rated their experience with math as “fair.” In contrast 4/5 boys (Asr, Yaqub, Huzaifa and Naseerullah) rated their experience with math as “excellent” while Hamza Erkin rated his experience as “fair.” In this social experiment all the children come from similar socio- economic and cultural backgrounds. However, their performance in maths on a gender basis varied greatly. This could be due to each child’s own individual interest in the subject itself which is reflective in their mathematical experience, as children with a keener interest in maths are more likely to focus more in class and see math as a fun activity that stimulates the mind rather than just "homework". Supporting the view point that yes, culture does influence a child’s interest in S.T.E.M however, other factors such as the child’s personality, the opportunities of tuition that some children can avail while others cannot and many others should also be taken into account. More importantly, Ralph Linton’s work regarding acquired status and achieved status can be ideologically applied to culture as well. For acquired culture can be representative of an individual’s own culture and heritage while achieved culture can be reflective of what the individual have themselves done other than their socialization to attain educational and academic enlightenment in the field of S.T.E.M. After all men and women are products of the sum of all their parts, not just one particular piece. Iman ShoaibVivacious. And making waves.
Having its origin from the Silicon Valley, technical entrepreneurship is somewhat a concept in its infancy, till date, as compared to the sophisticated entrepreneurial models based on the principles of economics and management. This combination of scientific and technological knowledge with commercialism depicts an opportunity in the market which had been unexplored.
The rise of this ‘creative collaboration’ in Pakistan is amplifying on a daily basis. Technical entrepreneurship in Pakistan is the new hype. The country has a significant number of graduates from engineering institutions each year who have mastered the skill of innovation but the only hindrance which stops them from converting these innovative ideas into sustainable business models is the lack of entrepreneurial skill set. The Pakistani Horizon
Establishment of various incubation centers has now made technical entrepreneurship in Pakistan popular by bringing parties with technical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge onboard. A few incubation centers which facilitate the emergence and growth of Start-ups are worth mentioning.
Plan9 is an initiative by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) which helps various start-ups through mentoring, networking and giving them proper feedback on their products throughout. It is Pakistan’s largest tech incubator and also works on a ‘zero-equity’ model. PlanX is an extended version of Plan9 which further helps mid-level start-ups to sustain themselves in the market. Different universities have also set up their incubation centers where they help emerging technical entrepreneurs in getting on-track. NUST Technology Incubation Center and LUMS Center for Entrepreneurship are a few noteworthy. The edge that these incubators have is that they have aspiring engineers and entrepreneurs in their varsities that can then come together, pitch-in and integrate their skills and resources with some mentoring and connections provided by the centers. Some brilliant start-ups have emerged from these incubation centers such as Maro Tandoors, Traverse Pakistan, Cygnus Solution and many more. Although there are various women who are employed in these tech incubators and are continuously involved in imparting necessary skill and guidance required to emerge as a successful technical entrepreneur with minimum risk but there are few women-led incubation centers too which are making a mark of their own. Invest to Innovate(i2i), led by Ms. Kulsoom Lakhani provides start-ups with the necessary skill required to enter the market and also connects them to potential investors. Another leading example is NEST I/O, a technology incubator led by the Software House Association (P@SHA) which is led by Ms. Jehan Ara. Growth and Progress
Pakistan’s technology industry is growing at a faster pace as evident by the increased number of mobile and 3G users, specifically, which make up the potential target market for technical entrepreneurs. The number of firms wanting to enter the market, the number of incubation center which are emerging, the rising interest of students at educational institutions who set up various societies and clubs to bridge the gap between entrepreneurs and engineers to reap the maximum out of the combination, the presence of potential investors who find investment in technology viable and profit-oriented, etc. all depict that the technology is an emerging industry in Pakistan and we need more technical entrepreneurs to innovate and take risk. No doubt, technical entrepreneurs run with a greater risk than the traditional entrepreneurs because of various reasons like entry barriers, target market and many more but continued development of this industry and similar support by other provincial governments as the Punjab government can lead to a magnified level of development in technical entrepreneurship in Pakistan as a whole.
This TED talk will tell you how "Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurial Abilities" can do wonders!
Sara MashhadiBe the change you want to see. According to the statistics provided by the Pakistan Council of Science and Technology, more than 18 percent of women are employed in different fields of science. Among these 18 percent, majority opts for medical sciences, natural sciences and fields related to engineering and technology. Science is one of those subjects that is taught from the pre-primary level of education till the post-doctorate level which naturally gives it an edge in terms of a preferred field of study. According to the system of education in Pakistan, Matriculation or O’levels is the time where students get to choose what they want to study. Unfortunately, Matriculation, which has a much greater enrollment rate, gives very limited options. Biology and computers are the only optional subjects whereas; physics and chemistry are taught alongside. No other subjects like accountancy, arts, etc. are offered unlike the O’levels examination system. This limited choice and the only subject towards which the interest of the students is being channelized, makes science a widely preferred choice among students. Not only this, science subjects are seen as ‘safe’ career choices by parents, who make most of the academic decisions for women till their secondary level of education. Considering the limited options which the education system has to offer in Pakistan, parents are inclined towards professions in the medical sciences or engineering for their children. Even if women choose for themselves, they prefer a science-related field because they’ve been exposed to those subjects only by the time they get into a university. Science, however, guarantees a professional path as opposed to a mere educational qualification. Women generally make safe career choices which help them focus towards a particular aim in their life and because of this they choose science. It might seem like an orthodox view but most women prefer medical sciences because they want to end up as a doctor and those who prefer physics and mathematics, want to be engineers in a particular field. They, therefore, choose a career for themselves and not only a degree. Pakistani women today are not only setting standards in the field of science and technology but are also defying the odds in male-dominated careers related to science. Jehan Ara, the President of Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), one of the nineteen fighter pilots in Pakistan Air Force, Ayesha Farooq, Kalsoom Lakhani whose the founder and CEO of one of the best start-ups accelerator, Invest2Innovate (i2i) in Pakistan are a few worth mentioning. There are however many more who might not be in the spotlight as yet but are striving hard to be among the worlds renowned. Various startups have been initiated by women graduates from renowned engineering institutions, there are accomplished female doctors all over the country and more women are pursuing degrees in mathematics. The growing complexities of the modern world have increased the urge of playing a significant role in the development of this country. Women tend to play their part by opting a career path which equips them with the technical skill set required to deal with these complexities. Along with this, the growth opportunities like, scholarships, research grants, combined research programmes with foreign universities, quotas in medical colleges, establishment of tech incubation centers, etc. are on the rise in the area of science and technology which has encouraged women to take up this field of education. Science has and will be the most popular subject for women, however, a little more assistance by the government in legislative and financial terms can be highly motivating. Sara MashhadiBe the change you want to see. Capability - The ability or power to do something, that something could be as easy as washing the dishes or as difficult as understanding quantum physics. Either way whether it be the developed or developing world a stereotypical stigma is attached to women; that they are quote “incapable” of understanding let alone mastering the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (S.T.E.M). Thus, it should come as no surprise that when women in our nation choose such fields to specialize in it is followed by condemnation or worse, taken as a joke. However, the question arises is this truly the case throughout Pakistan? It is this burning question that has resulted in me writing an article about the development of STEM in Pakistan. With 2015 fast approaching its end and the New Year near to kicking off, by the looks of things, it seems the women of Pakistan have made a commitment to evolve, grow and develop in the fields of STEM. Unsurprisingly, while conducting my research I found that when it comes to STEM in Pakistan most articles, online or otherwise, have had no moral difficulty in portraying a ruthlessly negative and grim image of STEM in Pakistan. Take the article by "The Nation" it talks about how a typical “fixed mind-set” exists and then gives a mediocre solution as to how to overcome this problem. From my own personal experience as a Pakistani woman, majoring in International Relations and Politics (another, unconventional subject) let me state quite categorically that our nation does not have a “fixed- mind-set” when it comes to women in STEM and if anything the year 2015 proves that the future of STEM for women is a bright one. For example, the number of women in the field of technology and engineering is increasing in Pakistan; one such example is Novaira Masood a graduate from FAST- NU in software engineering who designed and engineered Maleficent wings in the Disney film “Maleficent” and blockbuster films such as “Thor”,” Transformers 3” and several others. It may also be surprising to know that Pakistan actually has numerous on-going STEM career projects. The aim of hosting these contests/projects is to encourage, inspire, and give our youth hope to not only pursue careers in STEM; but more importantly to do so in a manner which fuels their passion. Contests such as NSTC (National Science Talent Contest) and NEC (National Engineering Competition) do exactly that. There is comfort in knowing that in 2015, STEM related initiatives targeted young girls encouraging them to explore and expand their talents especially, in the field of mathematics and sciences. One totally out of the box idea launched by Robokids is based in Lahore. This program has the potential to completely change the educational curriculum of most schools and is a living inspiration that with the right ideology, noble intentions and commitment anything is possible. On a governmental level HEC and PIEAS have also formed a STEM program; funds through this joint venture have resulted in 3 students wining two bronze medals and one honourable mention at the 23rd IBO (International Biology Olympiad) hosted in Singapore. Out of the three students, one was female. It is wonderful to know that such ventures exist. Here the phrase ‘better late than never’ applies. As one can argue that Pakistan is a patriarchal society, where men will always have opportunities to excel in various fields - especially STEM. It is about time women start to do so as well, only then can Pakistan achieve its true potential and succeed. Recently, all taboos were dismantled at the IEEE-WIE CIIT debating competition, which was held in Lahore. Not only did women boldly voice their thoughts and opinions on whether they should be in engineering and technical fields but also thanks to the winds of change they were given a formal platform to do so! This unique wave of change flies in the face of the status quo and the ill-informed notion that Pakistan is incapable of empowering women in the field of STEM. Although the year 2015 has taken a stepping stone towards change there is still a long way to go. A lot of research needs to be conducted to establish proper quantifiable and valid data in order to attain a true picture of how dire the situation of women in Pakistan in relation to STEM actually is. This opportunity is currently being provided by the British Council. The council is launching its third strand of women and girls empowerment strategy, with the aim of building the skills and confidence of women and girls alike to achieve their full potential. As the saying goes “where there is a will, there is a way.” Women are breaking stereotypes in Pakistan and though realistically it may seem minute in comparison to the developed world at large. What our readers need to understand is that Pakistan stands at 180th in literacy at world level with only a 58.7 % female adult literacy rate in comparison to males. Hence, our nation’s issue of education and women in STEM are both being simultaneously tackled. Pessimists may see it as a baby step but in actuality it is a revolution of the mind that is currently being fought and 2016 is bound to show even more quantitative results, as the path for female future generations is being carved for us to excel in the field of STEM; the initiation of which has already begun. Iman ShoaibVivacious. And making waves. Capability - The ability or power to do something, that something could be as easy as washing the dishes or as difficult as understanding quantum physics. Either way whether it be the developed or developing world a stereotypical stigma is attached to women; that they are quote “incapable” of understanding let alone mastering the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (S.T.E.M). Thus, it should come as no surprise that when women in our nation choose such fields to specialise in it is followed by condemnation or worse, taken as a joke. However, the question arises is this truly the case throughout Pakistan? It is this burning question that has resulted in me writing an article about the development of STEM in Pakistan. With 2015 fast approaching its end and the New Year near to kicking off, by the looks of things, it seems the women of Pakistan have made a commitment to evolve, grow and develop in the fields of STEM. Unsurprisingly, while conducting my research I found that when it comes to STEM in Pakistan most articles, online or otherwise, have had no moral difficulty in portraying a ruthlessly negative and grim image of STEM in Pakistan. Take the article by "The Nation" it talks about how a typical “fixed mind-set” exists and then gives a mediocre solution as to how to overcome this problem. From my own personal experience as a Pakistani woman, majoring in International Relations and Politics (another, unconventional subject) let me state quite categorically that our nation does not have a “fixed- mind-set” when it comes to women in STEM and if anything the year 2015 proves that the future of STEM for women is a bright one. For example, the number of women in the field of technology and engineering is increasing in Pakistan; one such example is Novaira Masood a graduate from FAST- NU in software engineering who designed and engineered Maleficent wings in the Disney film “Maleficent” and blockbuster films such as “Thor”,” Transformers 3” and several others. It may also be surprising to know that Pakistan actually has numerous on-going STEM career projects. The aim of hosting these contests/projects is to encourage, inspire, and give our youth hope to not only pursue careers in STEM; but more importantly to do so in a manner which fuels their passion. Contests such as NSTC (National Science Talent Contest) and NEC (National Engineering Competition) do exactly that. There is comfort in knowing that in 2015, STEM related initiatives targeted young girls encouraging them to explore and expand their talents especially, in the field of mathematics and sciences. One totally out of the box idea launched by Robokids is based in Lahore. This program has the potential to completely change the educational curriculum of most schools and is a living inspiration that with the right ideology, noble intentions and commitment anything is possible. On a governmental level HEC and PIEAS have also formed a STEM program; funds through this joint venture have resulted in 3 students wining two bronze medals and one honourable mention at the 23rd IBO (International Biology Olympiad) hosted in Singapore. Out of the three students, one was female. It is wonderful to know that such ventures exist. Here the phrase ‘better late than never’ applies. As one can argue that Pakistan is a patriarchal society, where men will always have opportunities to excel in various fields - especially STEM. It is about time women start to do so as well, only then can Pakistan achieve its true potential and succeed. Recently, all taboos were dismantled at the IEEE-WIE CIIT debating competition, which was held in Lahore. Not only did women boldly voice their thoughts and opinions on whether they should be in engineering and technical fields but also thanks to the winds of change they were given a formal platform to do so! This unique wave of change flies in the face of the status quo and the ill-informed notion that Pakistan is incapable of empowering women in the field of STEM. Although the year 2015 has taken a stepping stone towards change there is still a long way to go. A lot of research needs to be conducted to establish proper quantifiable and valid data in order to attain a true picture of how dire the situation of women in Pakistan in relation to STEM actually is. This opportunity is currently being provided by the British Council. The council is launching its third strand of women and girls empowerment strategy, with the aim of building the skills and confidence of women and girls alike to achieve their full potential. As the saying goes “where there is a will, there is a way.” Women are breaking stereotypes in Pakistan and though realistically it may seem minute in comparison to the developed world at large. What our readers need to understand is that Pakistan stands at 180th in literacy at world level with only a 58.7 % female adult literacy rate in comparison to males. Hence, our nation’s issue of education and women in STEM are both being simultaneously tackled. Pessimists may see it as a baby step but in actuality it is a revolution of the mind that is currently being fought and 2016 is bound to show even more quantitative results, as the path for female future generations is being carved for us to excel in the field of STEM; the initiation of which has already begun. |
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