STEM has numerous graduates in Pakistan and is also one of the leading career choices that individuals make. However, since the pool of talent is ever-increasing, the government has been unable to create equal amount of opportunities to cater this resource which ultimately results in ‘brain-drain’ of talent. Engineers, scientists, mathematicians, technologists, etc. move out of Pakistan to avail lucrative opportunities abroad which gives them a fair return for their amount of hard work. This probably is the most urgent problem which requires effective policy design for STEM graduates. The current government of the country has initiated collaborative projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which will make good use of our home-grown talent and there are various other opportunities like paid-internship programmes, government support for the private sector to create jobs and many more. The problem however, is these opportunities are not enough and don’t either give a fair return for the efforts of the graduates. Another major problem is advocacy for such policies. Policy formulation and implementation, both require ardent endorsers who can gather enough support for the policy to be turned into a Bill and ultimately into an Act of law. Pakistan is a country which spends less than 4 percent of its GDP on education which includes education related to science and technology, therefore, the root of the problem is evident right from this point. This shows that the policy makers don’t have this issue on their cards and advocacy groups are unable to create a buzz about the need for policy. STEM graduates are the need of the time. With a fast-pacing world where technological advancement gives an edge to economies and scientific research and development is an indicator of progress, Pakistan must develop and retain its resources. Although the private sector has immense opportunities for STEM graduates and there are numerous tech start-ups which are gaining attention but the government’s support is mandatory. Favourable tax policies, capital-financing schemes, employment opportunities in public corporations or government projects without quotas, etc. can bring considerable change. Apart from employment opportunities, STEM graduates need to be secured at the university-level as well. Government universities have certain provincial or gender-specific quotas defined along with competitive entrance examinations which act as a barrier for many potential “STEM-ers” to roll in. Various policies for STEM graduates, in terms of their education, employment and legislation need to be formulated, implemented and then evaluated so that it can be checked whether the policy action taken, achieved the objectives laid down in the policy statement Sara MashhadiBe the wave you want to see
1 Comment
Pakistani women aspire to be among the renowned and well-informed lot of women scientists and engineers throughout the world as others. Most of them wish to pursue their Masters and Post-doctoral degrees from foreign universities at times so that they can benefit from the teaching and research methodology of the developed states. Along with this, studying abroad has its own lessons and experiences which help women become confident, independent individuals. The most common restraint they experience in attaining their goals is financial. Shortage of funds is the most commonly cited reason for not pursuing a degree or research programme, abroad. What, however, most women need to understand is that a strong academic background and efficient communication skills can provide you the needed financials. There are numerous scholarship opportunities provided by developed countries like the UK, USA, Australia and many more. Women need to be aware of the pros and cons of accepting scholarship opportunities. A few privately-funded scholarship opportunities can turn out be exploitative but the best ones to rely on are state-sponsored. Although there are various reliable Non-Government Organizations which sponsor students but state-led and fully-funded opportunities are preferable. State-sponsored schemes are highly competitive and only a few students are able to earn them but a major advantage of attaining them is that they relieve you off the burden of tuition fees, living and recreational expenses and many more. Here are a few short-listed scholarship programmes which are highly reliable and are mostly state-led. These scholarships are fully-funded and are suitable for women who want to pursue (a Masters, PhD) higher education or research programme in all fields of science and technology. Every university has its own pool of scholarships as well but they come with certain terms and conditions which can turn out to be burdensome for the student in the future. These scholarships are generic, which take into account other factors than tuition fees as well. For a detailed view, you must visit the official page of each scholarship programme
Sara MashhadiBe the change you want to see 1. Geo-informatics Engineering: Geo-informatics engineering is one of its kinds in Pakistan. It is only offered by one institute in Pakistan, that is, the National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad. Geo-informatics includes the study of geography, cartography and geosciences with an edge of technology. The four-year bachelor’s degree in this field enables you to analyse spatial data with geo-visualization and geo-computation. The field has a growing scope in civil, military and commercial industry 2. Avionics Engineering: Avionics engineering is offered by various institutes in Pakistan and is gaining a lot of popularity. This area of study enables engineers to study the electronics, software and hardware of aircrafts, space crafts and satellites. Systems like display management, communication devices, etc. fitted in the aerospace vehicle are studied in depth. Avionics Engineers can make an excellent career in the airline industry; they can be associated with Research and Development and can also find Job opportunity in armed forces opportunities in the defense. (Not only these) Also, since a variety of subjects are taught during this four years programme, these engineers are equipped to perform as communications and electrical engineers as well. 3. Polymer and Petrochemical Engineering: Polymer and Petrochemical engineering is recently offered by the NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi. This combination provides an effective base to work for the petroleum and materials industry. The degree makes use of variety of subjects ranging from basic introductory courses to polymers and petrochemicals to the physics associated with it and numerous techniques and experiments which enable practical use of the knowledge. A degree in polymer and petro-chemical will (land the engineer) help engineers to find a job in any private or public petroleum, oil and gas firm, manufacturing sector and research and development. 4. Food Engineering: Food engineering, I’d say, is the need of time, in Pakistan. This degree equips the engineers to deal with health and safety standards of food processing; it makes use of technical skill to provide solutions for scarcity of resources along with growing population and urbanization. Food engineering combines technology, microbiology and science to study food, food industry and its related fields. This engineering is suitable for individuals who are interested in food industries, their health and safety checks, development of new products, research of the existing food products and sensory evaluation of food. A food engineer will find immense value for his/her degree in any private food processing, packaging or distributing firm. 5. Textile Engineering: Textile engineering, unfortunately, is a neglected area of engineering in Pakistan. Although the degree is offered by various institutes throughout the country but it needs to be highlighted. Pakistan has a developed and growing textile industry and textile engineers are fully trained to take up the firms operations. This degree capacitates individuals to manage and develop machine parts, provide quality assurance, mange operations of a textile firm and maintenance of the overall production facility. Bachelors in Textile engineering can help you get a job in any textile firm or in the textile departments of aerospace, bio-medical or automobile firms. 6. Bio-medical Engineering: Bio-medical engineering has recently taken pace in Pakistan and is offered by a few renowned institutions. It provides a mix of technology, medicine and biology. A bio-medical engineer is able to understand the medical conditions and provide technical assistance or machines which can help in the treatment of the patient. They are not only prepared to develop new machines, instead they are able to work in labs and hospitals where a mix of medical knowledge and technology is needed. Bio-medical engineers can work in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories and also firms which develop surgical, rehabilitative, orthopedic, etc. equipment. 7. Marine Engineering: Marine engineering is an old field of study but is relatively new in Pakistan. NED is the only institute offering it on behalf of the Pakistan Marine Academy. This degree capacitates engineers to study marine vehicles with respect to the science of ocean and sea. It studies the mechanical, electronic and computer sciences aspect of the vehicles and oceanographic technology. Marine engineers can be employed in both, the private and the public sector. Pakistan Navy, Pakistan National Shipping Corporation are major employers in the public sector but private cargo shipping firms also hire marine engineers. 8. Urban and Infrastructure Engineering: Only a few institutes offer engineering in urban and infrastructure in Pakistan as yet but more will follow suit because it is has a growing need and demand. With increasing urbanization and population, planning of urban spaces and infrastructure has become highly wanted. This specialization enables engineers to take advantage of major aspects of civil and urban engineering. They are exposed to a detailed study of traffic, transportation, structures, water management, managerial subjects and many more. Career prospects with this degree range from city planners and developers to private housing authority planners and developers. 9. Nanoscience and Engineering: Nanoscience and engineering is the study of nanotechnology and its application. It prepares engineers to make the best use of nanotechnology to provide solutions for problems through research and development. The field of study is advanced and new in Pakistan. It is offered only at Masters and doctorate level so that efficient research into the area can reap greater benefits. This engineering can help engineers make a good career in research and development, strategic organizations, private firms who want to produce nanotechnology-based products and many more. 10. Earthquake Engineering: Earthquake engineering has only recently been launched in the country. It is offered at the Masters level only and enables engineers to study structures which can be earthquake resistant. It equips them with the skills required to design, create and evaluate structures which can be affected during earthquakes and come up with measures to minimize losses. Earthquake engineers can be employed at urban planning departments in the public sector and can also be employed by private construction companies. Sara MashhadiBe the change you want to see "We cannot think of being acceptable to others until we have first proven acceptable to ourselves.” Most women, not all; on a subconscious level believe that we are unworthy and undeserving of our own success and accomplishments. Therefore, we passively go about our careers, not considering ourselves "worthy" of praise and recognition. This Sheryl Sandberg so aptly defines as the Tiara Syndrome. Our basic inability to come to terms with our own self - recognition. Now, most of you may not have heard of Sheryl Sandberg. And those of you that have, perhaps only know of her as the COO of Facebook. But let me assure you, she is about to change the way you see yourself and your potential as a woman in the working environment. Her most recent path to success was carved by her philanthropic book Lean In. The goal of this book is women empowerment. In her 2010 TEDTalk was an awe inspiring speech, on the ways women are held back—and the way we hold ourselves back. Which leads me to ask the complicated question, despite drastic changes urging for women to empower each other why and how are Pakistani women holding themselves back? More importantly; who is to be blamed for such an act? – Women themselves, Pakistani society, or a tango between the two variables? Unfortunately, many women in Pakistan suffer from the “Tiara syndrome”. And trust me; we are not alone in our suffering. This is a worldwide phenomenon that women are suffering from. As Glamour Magazine in May of 2006 put it, "It’s not like Glamour to admit this, but there is something that men do better than women: ask for a raise." This is the often, sweetly flawed thinking that if we as women keep our head down in the work place, perform diligently and work amicably hard. The right person (our boss) will recognize our efforts and award us accordingly. This naïve thought though unlikely, is possible. But (and this is a big But...) Ladies, let’s face it , having “hope” and “optimism” as a strategy in the work place, is not much of a strategy at all. And most of you are still in denial that women suffer from the Tiara Syndrome; however in the enlightening book, “Women Don’t Ask: Negotiation and the Gender Divide,” by Linda Babcock and Sara Leschever they sum up perfectly the extreme effects of women suffering from the Tiara Syndrome. I feel in Pakistan women suffer from mild to extreme cases of this syndrome. And while there might be a deep rooted problem in the female psyche for not asking for what we deserve. This is a problem that can be solved very easily. After all a 10 minute uncomfortable decision for a better salary and consequently better standard of living is a small price to pay. Firstly, you need to learn to negotiate; negotiate your salary, negotiate your working hours and negotiate your compensation and bonuses. This on face vale seems unfair. Especially, on the grounds; what most women need to negotiate to attain in Pakistan and across the globe. Men get handed freely. However, this is just step 1 in the “Lean In” strategy described by Sheryl to empower women to achieve and rise in the workplace. I feel this point was eloquently put forward as well by Negotiating Women Inc. Moreover, I urge Pakistani women to realize; you are not alone in your symptoms from suffering from the Tiara Syndrome epidemic. As I stated earlier, this is a worldwide phenomenon. A study by University of California Irvine study on organizational behavior found 17 % of women felt responsibility for ensuring their salary reflected their value, while 83% of women left it to their employers to decide how much they were worth. Jane Anderson, the executive career coach at Inside Out Training and Coaching is quoted to have said “women tend to be more collaborative and inclusive, often playing down their contributions and acknowledging others achievements”. I agree with this statement a 110% and yes, some of you readers may be thinking this, in actuality is a good and humble quality to have. I agree with that demographic of readers as well. However, this quality in the working environment is not going to be an asset to Pakistani women. Corporations that you work for mainly solely care for making profit no matter how great the working culture is. That is why it is pivotal that you OWN your skills ladies and make the most beneficial use out of YOUR abilities and qualities. I have come up with an acronym “ P.T.S.D.” – the Pakistani Tiara Syndrome Dilemma. This is the tiara syndrome and its mutually exclusive nature in the context of Pakistan. Whether women and young girls, feminists or anti – feminists wants to admit it or not despite the patriarchal nature of our society, women get free passes and, away with a lot more, than men do. This is not due to men being “sleazy” but quite the polar opposite. It is because the general teachings in our society have raised men to respect women and place them in high regard. That is why, when a woman is 50 Rs short while purchasing canteen food is exempted from paying the total amount. But a man may not be so lucky. Or if a man and woman both are waiting for a rikshaw in Lahore, the man will allow the woman to take the first rikshaw and wait for the second one. This general culture of assisting and showing courtesy to women strongly prevails in Pakistan; as chivalry is not dead in this great nation. However, I have come across the point, which women on a subconscious level assume the same culture of chivalry shall translate into the workplace. Social politeness and professional courtesy cannot be mixed up because it will result in a working culture of biased-ness. Therefore, I propose workshops be conducted so that women remain conscious of how to avail maximum benefits as men do; via working credentials and utilising their work experience. Not based on societal reliance of “chivalry”. Other methods that Pakistani women can adapt to beat the Tiara Syndrome:
Iman Advice – promoting yourself may not come naturally at first, you may even feel like you are “boosting” about yourself or showing off. In order to feel less awkward while promoting yourself, you may identify the ways in which you feel comfortable being recognized. Secondly, the key here is, not to overdo it. Just like everything else in life, say and do things in moderation. Do not be on a 24/7 rant of your skills, work ethic and capabilities. Have the wisdom of differentiating and understanding; Sense of occasion Sense of proportion Then, when the opportunity and time presents itself. Talk of your accomplishments. Which, in the long hall will translate into your salary. For a more in – depth understanding of the tiara syndrome and it’s limiting women career’s I advice you read Women’s Agenda article on the matter. Lastly ladies, understand that negotiation is an evidence – based process. Pakistani females are known to be a tad bit “jazbaathi”. You can’t after reading this, go into work the next day and say to your boss “. I demand a raise in my salary because I worked really hard this year”. This is not how the world works. You need to have substantial evidence backing your statement, and you need to understand overcoming the Tiara Syndrome in the Pakistani workplace is going to be a time consuming process. So, just adhere to the following points further elaborated by HUFFPOST;
Iman ShoaibVivacious. And making waves. STEM is a male-dominated area of study and this fact does inspire a lot of girls who want to make a difference. Girls, who look up to defying the odds or breaking stereotypes, will absolutely take up a career in STEM. They do this to challenge themselves with tasks which are presumed to be ‘male-oriented’ and give exceptional performances which are noteworthy. It is your passion along with creativity and curiosity to do something new which encourages you take up a career in STEM. This curiosity to discover things, taking up challenges and becoming innovative takes its roots from a very young age. People who are part of the girls’ immediate circle that include her family, friends and teachers are the ones who play a major role in shaping her future interests ever since she’s exposed to learning and education. There are various ways in which you can channelize her interest towards engineering, science, mathematics and technology. Inspirational VideosChildren in their early ages are more attracted towards visuals than reading text or audio. Instigating their interest in STEM at this age through videos might be a fruitful idea because it can help retain their attention for a longer period of time. Videos regarding successful women engineers, their stories, how they started and how they ended up being who they are can be inspirational. Moreover, a few videos from engineering schools alumni can be really helpful. Site seeing and discussionsTaking your daughters for recreation to places like zoo, science museums, and their teachers can take them to factories, taking them for a city tour and showing them great engineering and architectural wonders can really help. Educating children about a few technicalities of things they see on a daily basis, for example, a bridge, roads, waste disposal facilities, recycling machines, etc. can make a lot of difference too. Taking to science exhibitions and fairs Various schools put in an effort to arrange science fairs and exhibitions which is an ardent initiative in itself. If taken seriously, these science fairs can help girls reap immense benefit from it. Girls at early age are enthusiastic about teamwork, creativity and craft, therefore, when these skills are directed towards a science project, they can definitely help in creating a long-term love for the field. These science fairs are not only arranged at the school-level, instead they can be community-based as well. DiscoverE, is one such US- based initiative which helps arrange activities and science fairs for children in order to develop their interest in engineering. They arrange a ‘Girls Day’ where young girls participate in teams to come up with something innovative. Such ideas can be motivating and propagate interest in STEM. Selection of toysChoice of toys can impact a child’s behavior, social skills and interest from an early age. Therefore, if parents wish to instigate interest for science in children, they need to change their choice of toys for them as well. There are various options in the market regarding this. Learning maths through legos, physics through experiments etc. can be fun and knowledgeable at the same time. Making the subject creativeMost of the time children find subjects like mathematics and science boring and complex because of which it is difficult for mentors and parents to direct the girls’ interest towards it. In order to counter this challenge and create interest, they need to make the subjects interesting for them. This interest can be developed by teaching it in a creative way. For example, the class teacher can arrange experiments and design activities which help fun and science go hand-in-hand. Girls will be attracted towards such method of study and will definitely give, opting science, a thought. Design activities which show immediate resultsBuilding a clay volcano which shows the lava coming out of it, building a parallel circuit which helps light up the bulb, creating any mechanical machine like a pin wheel, etc. gets kids excited and curious about science. They question more about the engineering or science behind a certain result which shows that they are interested in it. Planning more similar activities will undoubtedly provoke them to study science. Helping others through engineeringScience and engineering has helped save a lot of lives. Civil engineers, pharmaceuticals, doctors, materials engineers, chemical engineers and many more are playing their bit in making the society a better place to live. As you introspect the places around you, you will realize how dependent we are on science. Ranging from the development of a new drug to save human life to conserving the environment, people in STEM are helping others. If this thought is inculcated into girls, they will surely look up to being part of this league. Not just for Boys Sara MashhadiBe the change you want to see How much have you achieved in your current job? How many monthly, annual or quarterly targets have you met? What are the major projects you undertook and your team leader commended you for your effort? You need to answer all these questions in your resume. As you progress in your job over the years, you somehow forget to update your resume. Keep track of all your major and minor achievements at work and make sure you add them to that one document which can earn you better opportunities. Your resume is probably the most important document to help your potential employer take a glance into your professional experience, qualification and what you are capable of. There are various schools of thought on how important this document is. There are a few who believe that it is your communication and interpersonal skills which matter most, but there are others who believe that your resume is the single most important document to help you in getting a job. Your resume might not be the single most important thing in earning you a great employment opportunity, but it is definitely something that will build up your chances of getting an interview call or creating a place in the market. It is therefore important that you pay close attention to how you build up your resume overtime. Along with the projects undertaken at the current job, you must look for accomplishments which are beyond your current job requirement. Stay updated about the latest happenings in your area of expertise by undertaking extra courses, trainings or workshops. Stay a step ahead of what your organization has assigned you with. It is always easier to switch jobs if you have something more than ordinary on offer. Today, apps like edX, coursera, duolingo, etc. enable you to undertake online distant courses from renowned universities and learn new languages, free of cost. This can be a substantial add-on in your resume along with your current job experience. When you start off as an entry level candidate, your resume is more focused towards your education and interests, whereas at the mid-level it is more experience-centered. Therefore, when you have been associated with a particular field over a couple of years, you list down your major accomplishments or targets achieved, in quantitative terms, within that field. Another major change is that the education section moves towards the end of the resume as you become a professional. It is your experiences which will help you stand out. If you undertook a certain project and it earned the organization a calculable increase in revenue, etc. mention it on your resume. This makes the accomplishment prominent and noteworthy. Not only this, the skills mentioned on your resume must become more relevant to your core competencies over time. Certifications, professional examinations, etc. related to your area of expertise must be replaced by generic skills. Building up your resume as you climb up your professional ladder is immensely important. Every target that you achieve, every skill that you enhance, every serious interest that you have deserves a place in your resume. Create it in such a way that the ten second glance which the recruiter makes at your resume is captivating enough. Sara MashhadiBe the change you want to see.
It is definitely big news when President Obama invites Jehan Ara - President for P@SHA (Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT and ITES), and The Nest I/O, to speak at the 7th Annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit at Stanford University, California.
Jehan Ara is the face of the Pakistani IT industry, a phenomenally big name in the rising Pakistani entrepreneurial market, and a beacon of bright inspiration for Pakistani women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) fields. The said email invitation is for Jehan Ara as a panel member for discussion over a very interesting topic: "Investing in South Asia: "What's Next for Entrepreneurship in India, Pakistan, and Beyond," and Jehan Ara is the ideal candidate for this job.
Even Obama invites Jehan Ara!!
The Women Engineers Pakistan has always been proud of Jehan Ara. She has been a role model for numerous women in Pakistan, a pioneer paving the way for others and a leader lighting the path ahead for new comers. The fact that Obama invites Jehan Ara to represent Pakistan, and that The White House is fully aware of her capabilities is nothing short of fantastic in the progress picture for the country.
Now What Though?
Rising tide of Young Entrepreneurs in Pakistan
Pakistan is now home to one of the world’s largest populations of young people. As per Peace & Conflict Monitor, Pakistan is among some of the very young counties, some of them with "..two-thirds of their populations under the age of thirty." The population of the country is about 200 million people, and imagine how much this can be worth when 70 percent of them are within the age group of 25-30. Jehan Ara has always been a proponent of fresh ideas and we are sure she will be highlighting this asset. As we can see from the Population Pyramid Youth Bulge for Pakistan by the US Bureau of Census, the USA is not unaware of Pakistan's young potential. And the Global Entrepreneurship Summit is the perfect place for a nice little refresher.
Investment Opportunities
Jehan Ara leads P@SHA, and The Next I/O, both of which are directly linked with a large number of young Pakistani entrepreneurs. Having their best interests at heart, Jehan will most probably try to direct international interests toward investment in various Pakistani start-ups. Maybe pitching ideas like Virtual Speed Dating, or Shark Tank mock-ups might help.
Visa Issues for Pakistani Entrepreneurs
Undoubtedly, this is the most problematic avenue for most Pakistanis. The US Department of State seems to be a bit more stringent on policies for a Pakistani passport. Inviting more entrepreneurs from this country can greatly benefit the USA on frontiers of growth and diversity. Who knows, it might even help put an end to extremist stereotypes.
Growth of Female Entrepreneurs
The USA has always been an avid supporter of women empowerment. Pakistan offers a whopping statistic of 50% women in its population. Directing interests towards the growth of women can help nurture better support for future generations. As she herself said,
"Start-up" is the new "BIG-THING" today. But running a new business, and being organized at it from the get-go is no easy feat! (Trust us, we've been through it!!) Ladies and Gents, we introduce to you the 16 best Start-up Apps that will transform your entrepreneurial run from a chaotic nightmare to a steady stream. What does Every Entrepreneur Need? Our 16 Best Start-up Apps!!Choose from our list of 16 best Start-up Apps, and breeze through your business like a pro! Because what does every entrepreneur want? MORE PROGRESS, LESS CHAOS!!! 1. Slack:
2. Trello:
3. ExpenseBot:
4. Yaldi:
5. Tripit:
6. Office Suite:
7. Fuze:
8. Periscope:
9. Gusto:
10. Evernote:
11. Square Register:
12. Audible:
13. Davinci Virtual:
14. When I work Scheduling:
15. Codecademy:
16. Dropbox:
Sara MashhadiBe the change you want to see. Turkey and Iran are two of the front-liners when it comes to progress of Muslim majority countries in STEM fields. When it comes to futuristic progress, STEM study in Turkey and Iran enable these countries to take a lead on the global scale, and a developing country like Pakistan can benefit tremendously from following in their footsteps. Turkey:
What’s pleasantly surprising is the fact that Turkey’s progress is quite rapidly evolving in STEM. In fact, Turkey is ahead of some western states when it comes to the participation of women in the arena of STEM. The ode to women’s rise in STEM goes to the Turkish women themselves as they empower each other to progress in the field of STEM on an individual, societal and communal level. And for those of us witnessing this epicenter of change for them, it’s like a breath of fresh air. WEI is one such non- profit organization that is empowering women to boldly step forward in the art of STEM. The mission of IEEE WEI is to “facilitate the recruitment and retention of women in technical disciplines globally. IEEE WIE envisions a vibrant community of IEEE women and men collectively using their diverse talents to innovate for the benefit of humanity.” IEEE's implementation in Turkey is likely to emancipate women from the societal chained mind-set that females are not to enter the field of STEM; (at least seriously) or in terms of a long term profession. This shift of the tectonic plates of the mind is what is causing Turkey to rise, like a phoenix from the ashes, in the field of STEM. And the proof is in the pudding; according to the Muslim science website; Task Force Essay: STEM Education and the Muslim Gender Divide the amount of women in engineering is declining in the U.S., while it is improving in other countries. For example, the U.S. is behind thirteen Muslim countries in the percentage of women graduating with STEM degrees, including Turkey. Moreover, a study titled Women in Engineering, Science, Technology and Mathematic; by Kristine De Welde, from Florida Gulf Coast University and Sandra Laursen and Heather Thiry from the University of Colorado at Boulder, shows that around the world Turkey and Greece both have twice as many graduates for BS and PhD in physics than the US. Reinforcing that viewpoint, Turkish organizations like FeteMM are on the yellow brick road to success in the subject of STEM. In this manner, the Turkish unique blend of old and new applied in STEM is really working. Pakistan should follow in their footsteps by merging historical culture and modernity simultaneously to take women’s progression forward. This can be done by adopting methods from the west but customizing them to suit the historical values of Pakistan. Iran:
Readers, when I said Iran has taken the world by storm it was not a statement to be taken lightly. According to the post mentioned above, 60 percent of university students in Iran are women, and women comprise 70 percent of the science graduates. Thus, Iranian women are more educated than their American and Pakistani counterparts, at least as far as STEM are concerned. An article by Forbes/ Entrepreneur’s illustrates “The common myth about women in Iran is that they are seen, but not heard, that they’re not permitted to drive, that they are second-class citizens, and that entrepreneurship and positions of power are out of reach. These notions are wrong.” And I could not agree with this statement more. As I write this article I am overcome by emotions of gratitude and a feeling of 'awe' towards the Iranian women who are breaking stereotypes left, right and centre. Did I say break? I meant utterly shattering the ego of chauvinistic men who have failed in preventing women from progressing in STEM As Doctor Peyvadni said “It’s a historic change.” This can be seen in the fact that Iranian women are now entering the male dominated field of technology and blooming in the tech business. For those women reading this article in Pakistan this is not your typical article where I will just go on a pessimistic rant about how other Muslim nations are excelling, such as the progressive STEM study in Turkey and Iran, while we just sit behind and watch as the world and is women progress and we stand at a standstill, NO! What can Pakistan learn from STEM Study in Turkey and Iran:
Identification of areas where Pakistan is lagging behind:
Methods of Improvement:
Lets let the progress of STEM study in Turkey and Iran be an example for aspiring women scientists in Pakistan, but only if the above mentioned changes are implemented - rather than just be written and talked about - can the female population of Pakistan progress in similar fashion to the nations of Iran and Turkey. “If we’re going to out-innovate and out-educate the rest of the world, we’ve got to open doors for everyone. We need all hands on deck, and that means clearing hurdles for women and girls as they navigate careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.” – Michelle Obama, First Lady of the US. Iman ShoaibVivacious. And making waves. Whenever we think of an engineer or scientist, a male figure comes to our mind. The thought doesn't seem ironic because the belief is embedded in our society. There are no platforms where women technologists can present their issues, leading to a severe need for exceptional advocacy for Pakistani Women Scientists. This is not only true for developing countries like Pakistan but a stereotypical phenomenon experienced in the developed countries of the world as well.
Pakistan has a growing pool of female scientists and engineers, however, the bias persists. Men still dominate STEM related fields at the places of work. Women scientists and engineers, who graduate from renowned institutions, later don’t participate in the workforce, evading the purpose of their education. Social, cultural, legislative and various other factors contribute towards their non-participation which, if dealt pragmatically, can increase the number of women scientists and engineers who contribute towards the success of this country. It is imperative that the country's government and policy-makers accept the gaping lack in required advocacy for Pakistani women scientists and technologists more seriously! Although the trend is changing and women today are aspiring to take their careers much more seriously, they still have culturally-expected roles to fulfill. A woman, even if working, is expected to give priority to her household and domestic issues. Moreover, she is expected to execute them with the same vigour as her work. It is mostly because of this role-expectation that she withdraws from the idea of making the best out of her education. What needs to be countered is the idea that household responsibilities should be female-centered only. It should be the duty of both, man and woman, to equally cater for the needs of their house, family and career. We do not expect culture changes to happen overnight, but we do expect policy-makers to recognize the need for advocacy for Pakistani women scientists and engineers and take steady measures to impart more security to women in workplace, which could lead to better workplace environment. If the laws for workplace harassment regulated more stringently, more families can feel comfortable with the idea of a working woman. Maternity laws for working women have been recognized since 1958 in Pakistan but these laws became part of the provincial domain after the 18th Amendment in the constitution. As a federal law, working women are allowed a period of six weeks pre- and post-natal paid leave. They are also protected against job dismissal during this period and are provided benefits for covering the cost of child delivery. Recently, the provinces have also taken this issue seriously and in maintaining the essence of the federal law, essential legislation has been provided. The problem, however, is the implementation of this law. Various commercial and industrial firms deny women the legally protected benefits to which they are entitled. Women need to be made aware of such laws in order to make them less likely to give up their engineering and scientific skills on account of motherhood. Need for Advocacy for Pakistani Women Scientists??In a society like Pakistan, where laws for protecting women are still termed as 'un-Islamic' and are not legislatively sound, it is evident that there is much to be done. Especially in the field of science and technology which is male-dominated, women have higher concerns. The Protection of Women Against Harassment at the Workplace Act came up in 2010 and was also further amended as per the conditions. However, the problem persists. Women empowerment remains limited due to concerns against exploitation and their culturally-embedded fear of male dominance. It is therefore, the mindset and opinion of the general public that needs a shift. Women need to pursue their area of interest regardless of any fear in their mind. They must realize that indeed, they have all the power to be the leading engineers, technologists and scientists of the world. Sara MashhadiBe the change you want to see. Role model – a person you aspire to be, a person you look up to, an individual that may or may not have influenced the world at large but has influenced you.Role models serve as an example that if you work hard enough, in this often unfair world where the odds are almost never in your favor (yes, I used a Hunger Games reference) you can be recognized for trying to make a difference. More importantly, however, you can be recognized for making that difference. A role model is by no means perfect. They make mistakes, have flaws, but despite their apparent short comings, role models have one thing in common – they motivate the individual to better themselves by stepping outside the traditional boxed mindset of the world. Despite contrary beliefs, living in Pakistan I have many female role models: my mother, Fatima Jinnah, Nergis Mavalvala, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy - even Maria. B makes the list- and many, many more. Now you may be thinking these women all belong to different periods in history, are a merge of past, present, future and have entirely different backgrounds and fields in which they have excelled. From politics to fashion designing. So, how can one person have such a diverse range of role models? My answer is simple. The commonality that all these ladies hold, and the value that I cherish the most, is the fact that they broke stereotypical barriers in society and the international community. They did this by not only questioning the status quo related to the role of women in society but, making a reference to Taylor Swift, by “[building] a castle out of all the bricks [society threw at them]” when it said “no, you cannot do that”. Well, these women went ahead and did it anyway; and in doing so succeeded not only the men in the field, but the community at large. That is why on a personal level I find it very upsetting to discover many Pakistani female scientists featured in the curriculum just do not exist! The educational curriculum in Pakistan does not list or name ANY female scientists as examples or role models. This is true whether the subject is Pakistan Studies, History or even Social Studies. Something I find particularly horrific is the fact that not only government schools, but both private and public sector schools as well, exclude biographies, names, and achievements of Pakistani female scientists from their syllabus. This saddening fact resulted in me interviewing a few primary and secondary school teachers and asking them the gut wrenching question - Why doesn't the education system feature female scientists in curriculum or education syllabus?Mariam Khan had this to say – “The historical absence of women in mainstream scientific records because of their gender ineligibility leaves young girls unaware of great female scientists who they can look up to or idolize. Science textbooks are found to convey gender biases through images of boys/men in white lab-coats or also the gender bias language found such as "him/he". When girls are developing their interests in school, it becomes clear that science is a boys-only subject. Textbooks also fail to mention female scientists, which can be understood by the historical absence of acknowledging women within the science academia. The mention of accomplished female scientists in textbooks can help encourage women to develop a passion in science subjects.” Shafaf Kayani - A teacher at "Kids and Co" play and preschool had this to say - " They ( Female scientists) are not included on the basis that their scientific works and research are not promoted and are undermined. It is believed that students must be aware of the men scientists and their works because of a certain mindset. This mindset not only undermines the female scientists and their contributions to science but also undermines the interest of female students. Never in my teaching experience I have heard a female saying she wants to be a scientist." Just a quick point to note: Before everyone goes on a bashing rant that Pakistan is the only nation to completely isolate women scientists from the educational syllabus let me be clear that this is not the case. Firstly, although many developed nations such as United States of America, Russia, China and Canada may include female scientists in curriculum, the current space that is being given to female scientists in the curriculum could further be expanded. In comparison to the developed world, Pakistan may not give voice to female scientists in its curriculum, however, this is partly rectified by teachers in normal class room discussions. Oftentimes in these discussions Tasneem Zehra Hussain, Doctor Saima Rasheed and Professor Bina Shaheen Siddiqui become frequent names. In fact, at the recent Froebel’s graduating class of 2016 the guest speaker invited by the school was Professor Bina Shaheen Siddiqui. This example was just of a high school. As a further example of this, The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) has an article titled “Women in Science” in their "I R Nustian" blog made by their NUST Science Society which highlights the roles of women in science. This in itself illustrates that the gaps which exist in terms of school curriculum are being ameliorated while exchanging general knowledge in class discussions between student and teacher. Therefore, the vacuum in the educational syllabus criteria is by no means reflective of the statement that female scientists in Pakistan are not valued. In actuality, one of the greatest assets we, as citizens of Pakistan, possess are our female scientists and their exemplary achievements in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Moreover, we are living in a world where people learn and interact mainly via social media. In many Pakistani universities students get exposure to Pakistani female scientists and their work via blogs, national newspaper articles and other social media platforms such as twitter, Facebook, slide-share presentations and so on. For example, the blog “Speech of Pakistan” has an article dedicated to elaborating and glorifying the female scientist success stories of our society. This goes to show that the educational curriculum in Pakistan is no longer generic in nature ( at least on a university level). This pointedly, given that a student is allowed to study and explore different role models and success stories which may sidetrack from the traditional bandwagon of conventional topics, people and field/s of study. Then why are there no female Scientists in Curriculum for the young minds of Pakistan to take inspiration from? Some of you readers may think I am exaggerating or sugar coating the importance our government gives in respecting and honoring our female scientist, and it may very well be true. The syllabus in Pakistan does not represent or list female scientists and their contributions. However, I recently came across the Pakistan Council of Science and Technology official website, which has dedicated a whole page and area to female scientists in Pakistan. Additionally it has made it easier for these teachers to be hired by universities and schools. This leads me to conclude that our society, despite being male dominated, encourages, empowers and represents female scientists in a proud and courageous light. The fault lies in the institutions, Newton’s Third Law : Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. If only these academic institutions understood the effects that the lack of female representation in science textbooks can have they would think twice before not including women scientists. For example, if female scientists are not represented in the syllabus it will likely have a direct impact on female participation in science related activities. This in the long run will further limit females entering careers in the field of science. As Mariam Khan so eloquently put it “Science, like history and art have been run by academies or councils which determined who from the related field could be a member. Throughout history, these governing bodies were male dominated and denied women access.” I could not agree with her statement more, sadly, the educational institutions by either being too lazy, too corrupt, or male dominated has simply not bothered to alter the education curriculum. They are failing to meet the mentality of this generation of Pakistani citizens. We need to feature our very talented Pakistani Female Scientists in the curriculum for our future generations to take inspiration from. Citizens which take pride in their female scientists and see them as role models breaking barriers, pushing boundaries, leading by example and changing the world, one step towards science at a time. Iman ShoaibVivacious. And making waves. “Intimidation, harassment and violence have no place in a democracy.” - Mo Ibrahim.Workplace harassment in Pakistan is a FACT.
Harassment is a major issue in the workplace and it affects millions of workers, especially in Pakistan. Most people here know what "harassment" means, however their ideas are vague on the different types of harassment that exist. Therefore, let me first slightly elaborate on the different types of harassment that exist.
I find women to be the soul of every nation and with the great paradigm shift in the process of globalization, women are entering the market place more rapidly than ever before. This is forming an empowering symbol of what women can do at work, not just at home, through the utilization of their skilled work and innate talent. Unfortunately, there are a few grotesque vultures that have taken the development of women entering the workplace as a window to promote and perform violence and mistreatment against women. Whether the reason for this is to halt women from progressing in society or whether it is the simple inability of some men to control their desires in the workplace, it is an act strongly condemned in Pakistan and there is no rational or irrational justification for harassment of women at work. This is precisely why one can state there is no doubt that workplace harassment is real and not a myth in Pakistan, South Asia and across the world. Research was carried out in Europe by UNISON in 2008 which estimates that up to 50% of female employees in European Union countries have experienced sexual harassment. This is an appalling number. However, the honesty that prevails in these research results reflects the societal mindset in European countries, where people are open to talk about harassment, file a case, and have the culprit face the consequences. Unfortunately, workplace harassment in Pakistan, and especially in the smaller cities or villages, is seen as a “taboo” topic. A topic which, if brought up, is considered to leave a tainted mark on the honor of a woman, despite the harassment not being her fault. This is why most Pakistani women do not report their case of workplace harassment.
Additional reasons for workplace harassment going unreported are mentioned below:
However, despite the issue of workplace harassment in Pakistan being seen as a "taboo" topic, surprisingly the government of Pakistan, NGO’s and citizens of Pakistan have come together over the last seven years to conceptually and pragmatically put an end to harassment; or at least implement ways to end workplace harassment. In 2010 “The Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act” was signed by President Asif Ali Zardari. Turning this bill into law was a huge step for the nation. This law gave women such as me the mental peace of knowing that if such an incident occurred at the workplace, I could protect myself from the culprit under this law. From a local lens, one of the few NGO’s to this end that exist in Pakistan is called AASHA – the word itself means “Hope”. A hope to root out harassment, especially of women, from society. This NGO’s aim, like many other such NGO’s in Pakistan, is to raise awareness on the issue of harassment and assist the government and private sectors in the creation of a society free of sexual harassment. This, I feel, is a great step towards changing Pakistani mentality and eradicating the disease of harassment from our societal environment. A working paper was recently published by Munir Moosa Sadruddin titled “Sexual Harassment at Workplace in Pakistan- Issues and Remedies about the Global Issue at Managerial Sector” This paper articulately addresses the implementation of women rights in Pakistan and the harassment faced by women in the workplace, as well as the practical implementation of the Bill of 2010. Which *spoiler alert*, without implementation value just seems like a piece of paper. Before, we discuss the practical implementation of bills and laws passed in Pakistan, I made a brief timeline to illustrate the events pertaining to sexual harassment in Pakistan. Year 2010 :
Year 2011:
Year 2012:
Year 2013:
If you would like further detailed information on these laws and bills passed kindly visit Tracking Laws: Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act. Readers, as you can tell from the timeline, on paper it seems Pakistan is more than efficiently tackling the problem of workplace harassment; however, as the article by Express Tribune suggests, the practical implementation of laws against workplace harassment is weak in nature. The question that arises then is what is the long term solution to eliminate workplace harassment in Pakistan? And in my perspective the solution rests in educating the people of Pakistan. We as a community must step up and make the change. Those reading this article need to understand one point: here is the cure. We can all make a difference which will together form a chain reaction, catalyzing the removal of this pesky weed of harassment from the beautiful garden that is our society. Leave talking; Start doing- Here are a list of simple steps you can implement to end harassment in Pakistan:
Lastly, do not shy away from talking about this topic. In the event of harassment reporting your case, remember that it is YOUR “haqq”, YOUR right granted to you by your state, by your religion, by the fact that YOU are a human being. Who knows if in being brave you are helping other women to step forward and be strong as well, and perhaps in the process, preventing someone else from being harassed. Useful Youtube Links; you are not alone..
Iman ShoaibVivacious. And making waves.
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:
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. |
Categories
All
|