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Policy for STEM graduates in Pakistan

23/5/2016

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women engineers pakistan
Formulating public policy is an arduous and multi-dimensional process which involves various actors and contextual backgrounds in which it fits. This process goes through various stages and at each stage it needs specific actors which advocate the need for it. Agenda setting for policy for STEM graduates involves all those stakeholders who are either directly or indirectly related to the field of STEM, such as, the minister of science and technology, entrepreneurs leading tech incubators, universities of science and technology, engineers , scientists and mathematicians themselves.

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 Mashhadi

Be the wave you want to see

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Top 10 Science Scholarships for Pakistani Women

19/5/2016

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Pakistani women scholarships

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
​​
  1. Chevening Scholarship (United Kingdom)
  2. Erasmus Mundus Scholarship (Europe)
  3. Commonwealth Scholarships
  4. Australia Awards (Australia)
  5. Fulbright Scholarship (USA)
  6. Asian Development Bank Scholarship
  7. HEC Scholarships (Pakistan and other countries)
  8. British Council Scholarships (Pakistan and United Kingdom)
  9. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)
  10. Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarships (Australia)

Sara Mashhadi

Be the change you want to see

1 Comment

10 New Engineering fields in Pakistan

18/5/2016

4 Comments

 
women engineers pakistan
​​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.
engineering for girls

Sara Mashhadi

Be the change you want to see

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The Tiara Syndrome - Lean in Pakistan

17/5/2016

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women engineers pakistan

"We cannot think of being acceptable to others until we have first proven acceptable to ourselves.”
― Malcolm X on self worth and self- recognition.

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:
  1. Career Vision and Purpose Vital: Ladies, start asking yourself what is your career vision? What is your career goal/s? And by being overly modest and humble about your work abilities and achievements is it hindering your progress? The most likely answer is, yes.
  2. More importantly, establish the purpose of YOU working and shaping your career. Only after can you begin to see yourself as a brand that needs to be marketed.
  3. Start thinking of yourself as a brand – If you can understand your personal brand and market it effectively, this will be reflected in your salary. Ask yourselves what makes you an asset to your organization? What sets you apart from the rest?

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;
  • Start Positive and get your offer/s in writing when starting or leaving a job.
  • Be Firm
  • Follow Up
  • Negotiation is an evidence-based process; keep a journal, make a presentation showing with quantitative figures how you have aided the firm in achieving their success.

​

Iman Shoaib

Vivacious. And making waves.

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8 Ways to Inspire Her Mind!

17/5/2016

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STEM for Pakistani children
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 Videos

Children 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 discussions

Taking 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 toys

Choice 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 creative

Most 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 results

Building 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 engineering

Science 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 Mashhadi

Be the change you want to see

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Building your Resume as you proceed in the workplace

16/5/2016

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women engineers pakistan

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.
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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 Mashhadi

Be the change you want to see.

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Obama invites Jehan Ara for Global Summit - Now What?

10/5/2016

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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?

women engineers pakistan
Now that we have celebrated our amazing inspiration (Dear God! Even President Obama invites Jehan Ara!! WOW!!!), we would like her to bring attention to a list of very important topics at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit, as this is an opportunity to highlight our potential and discuss solutions to prevalent problems.

Rising tide of Young Entrepreneurs in Pakistan

women engineers 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,
women engineers pakistan
“I am thankful to them for inviting me for such a great event where more than a thousand people would be in attendance. I am happy because it would be really amazing to let the attendees know about recent developments and innovation in the Pakistan’s tech sector.”

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16 Best Start-up Apps for Rising Entrepreneurs

7/5/2016

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women engineers pakistan
Pakistan is a rising star in entrepreneurship. With a majority of the country aged between 25-30 years, Pakistan is brimming with new and exciting ideas gushing with fresh blood. Tech entrepreneurs are setting shop in Pakistan due to this youth bulge, and investors all over the world have their eyes fixed here.

"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:

women engineers pakistan
Slack is a group messaging application which helps people communicate faster. Slack has pre-organized groups like administration, finance, engineering, etc. which can help businesses direct discussions to relevant groups. Private conversations and project-based groups can also be formed. It has lessened the dependence on conventional email system because it enables sharing all sorts of documents, images and files and is also integrated with various social networks. It is downloadable on desktop and mobile, free of cost.

2. Trello:

women engineers pakistan
Trello is another business communication application. It brings workers on board where they can share updates about on-going, upcoming and finished projects. Trello helps maintain checklists, add labels and due dates and it also enables attaching files from your computer, Dropbox, Box, One Drive and Google Drive.
​

Trello is free but it has Trello Gold and Trello Business Class with advanced and tailored features which require a payment.

3. ExpenseBot:

women engineers pakistan
Startups are usually so occupied in their product management and service delivery operations that they don’t have time to keep track of their day-to-day payments and receipts. It is quite possible that they miss out a few receipts or are unable to maintain their credit card records. ExpenseBot saves them off this burden. It allows them to simply capture their receipts, match them with credit card charges and generate a reimbursement report. The app is available for iOS and Android, both.

4. Yaldi:

women engineers pakistan
Yaldi is a complete business management app which helps start-ups define Key Performance Indicators, track revenues, sales, etc. and integrates with Quick Books (accounting software) and other software for data input. Yaldi also provides valuable business advice when KPIs are integrated.
​

This app is not available for android as yet but it costs $9.99 per month.

5. Tripit:

women engineers pakistan
When involved in business activities, entrepreneurs don’t want to hassle about their travelling or project meetings in different cities. Tripit takes the burden off their shoulders and arranges everything from the beginning till the end of their business trip. From train, airplane to hotel bookings, Tripit arranges everything for them. If there are any delays in flight or any problems at the hotel, they inform you well before time.
​

This App is available on App Store and Google play.

6. Office Suite:

women engineers pakistan
Office Suite brings Microsoft office in your mobile. It enables businesses to create their presentations, spreadsheets and Word files along with PDFs which can be easily shared on various networks. Office Suite also gives the option of adding on ub reader, Photo suite, PDF Scanner and Oxford Dictionary.
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The basic application is free but it allows you to go premium with improved features like exporting PDFs, printing files, electronic signatures, etc. with a certain payment.

7. Fuze:

women engineers pakistan
Start-ups which require effective communication with associates and employees over a distance need video conferencing and clear audio systems. Fuze is best for such organizations. It offers products like Global Voice, Conferencing and Collaboration, Contact Center and Insights. It provides HD video conferencing facility and High Quality audio which is easy to set up. Fuze can bring up to 125 employees together at a time.
​

A 30-day free trial period is offered initially but after that Fuze Pro plan has to be purchased.

8. Periscope:

women engineers pakistan
Periscope brings the concept of live TV in the palm of your hands. You are able to capture and stream live scenes from any part of the world. This can be effective for start-ups which are studying target markets or which want to know about different places. It is also helpful while promoting your idea or conducting seminars and conferences.
​

Periscope is available for iOS and Android users.

9. Gusto:

women engineers pakistan
Gusto assists small business in tax filing and calculating insurance and health benefits of employees. It can be a great assistance in finance and HR activities of start-ups. Gusto comes with a two months free trial package but after that it charges $35 per month for each person in the company. It eases the enterprise off the burden of calculating, filing and paying their and each employees taxes and creating a payroll.
​

Gusto is integrated with xero, FreshBooks, Quick Books, and many more software.

10. Evernote:

women engineers pakistan
Making a to-do list, taking notes, adding reminders, etc. are all day-to-day tasks of anyone who starts a new enterprise and is bombarded with small tasks and projects. Evernote helps arrange and manage all these things. It not only allows users to take notes but also enables them to share them.

Evernote basic is free which gives a 60 MB space to its users. However, Evernote Plus and Premium charge $24.99 and $49.99 per year respectively. Plus comes with more space and a working offline feature and Premium is more advanced with a space of up to 10 GB and many other enhanced features.
​

Evernote is downloadable on Android, iPhone, web, iPad, Mac and Windows.

11. Square Register:

women engineers pakistan
Square Register is an app important at the Point of Sale. It helps businesses in accepting payments through their smartphones and issuing digital receipts to its customers. Users need to sign up and request the company for a free square reader which is a device attached to the smartphones and helps in swiping the card through. Then they can use the app in their phone and tablet to sync all the receipts and payments and issue receipts to customers to.
​

This App is available for iPad, iPhone and Android users.

12. Audible:

women engineers pakistan
Start-ups are new to the market and therefore need to stay updated about the do’s and don’ts of the market. They need to study the trends and strategies so that they can plan ahead and for this there is an App like Audible. Audible allows you to download audio books which save a lot of time and the hassle to carry a hardcopy with highlighter, sticky notes and pens.
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This app is compatible with both, iOS and Android.

13. Davinci Virtual:

women engineers pakistan
It is a complete virtual management solution for a business. Davinci provides services like virtual receptionist, virtual offices, live web chat and auto receptionist to its clients. It is available in 30 different countries with 40,000 customers till date. Start-ups can save a lot of cost by outsourcing tasks like customer care, assistants, etc. to Davinci Virtual.
​

The App is available on play store for Android users.

14. When I work Scheduling:

women engineers pakistan
This app enables businesses to manage its human resource. Planning shifts, payrolls, keeping track of the employees’ shifts and the tasks they’ve undertaken during that shift can be hectic. This app does it for start-ups and businesses. These schedules can be created and shared with other employees over the smartphone with specific locations, tags and other advanced features. The app has 30 days trial period after which a payment is required for further use.
​

This app is compatible with iPhone and Android.

15. Codecademy:

women engineers pakistan
Codecademy is the best learning place for coders and developers. It trains them to develop websites, make an interactive, learn JAVA, JavaScript, jQuery and many more. The reason codecademy is in this list of apps is because it equips users with the knowledge which is necessary to either launch a tech start-up or keep their start-up technologically afoot.
​

This app teaches you all this for free and is available for both, iPhone and Android.

​16. Dropbox:

women engineers pakistan
Dropbox helps store data on the cloud and allows easy sharing between users and non-users due to its integration with various platforms. Dropbox has a wide user base which is able to store files on computer and access them offline too. It enables them to share videos, images and documents over the cloud with just a click. Dropbox business is for teams and business with unlimited storage space and enhanced security for just $15 per user per month.
​

Dropbox is available for desktop and mobile phones at both, App Store and Play Store.

Sara Mashhadi

Be the change you want to see.

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STEM Study in Turkey and Iran - Situation for Women Scientists?

6/5/2016

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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:

women engineers pakistan
Turkey is a nation whose borders cover from Eastern Europe to western Asia, muddled with cultural connections dating back to the ancient Greek and Ottoman empires. We Pakistanis know Turkey from T.V shows such as “Mera Sultan” and “Fariha”, and I may be getting side tracked here, but with Turkey on the rise as a main tourist’s attraction, it is also gaining popularity in another field: the fields of science, engineering, technology and mathematics (STEM).

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:

women engineers pakistan
Iran is another Muslim state that’s taken the world by storm with its female population’s involvement in STEM.  The World Post posted an article titled “Despite What Happens at the Top, Iranian Women Move Forward.”

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:

women engineers pakistan
​Can the Pakistani government, policy-makers and regulators learn something from patterns adopted to facilitate STEM Study in Turkey and Iran, especially for women? Yes, absolutely! Below I have identified where Pakistan lags behind, after which I have given solutions to improve our footing in the field of STEM.

Identification of areas where Pakistan is lagging behind:

  • The number of female’s graduates with STEM degrees is very low. A contributing  factor that hinders the enrollment rates of girls include poverty, illiteracy of parents and parental concerns about safety and mobility of their daughters.
  • Lack of women in STEM markets and tech entrepreneurial business projects.
  • Female literacy rate is very low in Pakistan.
  • Lack of taking technical education systems as a priority.
  • Gender disparity in primary and secondary schools.
  • Different syllabus and educational learning styles exist in Pakistan. This often leads to unfair advantages that some students pertain over others.
  • Pakistan spends only 2.4% of its GDP on education and, in South Asia, Pakistan has the lowest spending on education.
  • War on terror: fighting the war on terror in Pakistan is utilizing  most of Pakistan's financial funds and because of this the vocational and technical educational training has suffered.
  •  Failure in planning of educational reforms and their implementation -Pakistan is a signatory to MDGs and EFA goals. However it has failed in meeting these  international commitments because of financial management issues and constraints to achieve the MDGs and EFA goals.

Methods of Improvement:

  • Create more of a friendly environment that empowers women to pursue careers and degrees in STEM. For example have practical implementation of the 2010 Protection against Harassment of Women Act.
  • In a male dominated society, encourage women in entrepreneurial STEM related start-up business and projects.
  • Change policies on a governmental level and increase the literacy budget of the nation.
  • The same syllabus should be implemented in all provinces of the government  so that both female and male students do not face discrimination on University or  on a higher education level.
  • Reform the educational curriculum to include female scientists and other female role models that have made a contribution in the past and present towards the discipline of STEM.
  • Understand and implement the human capital theory; the female contribution to the workforce will benefit the population at large and the state.
  • Encourage gender equality within the workplace by conducting workshops and governmental awareness campaigns.
  • Investment in similar projects such as STEMvisions as it is necessary for encouragement of women on a local level.
  • Technical education must be made a priority and must be given to all the classes from secondary school.
  • The government should pass a governmental mandate to provide free and compulsory education to all children between the ages of 5-16 years and enhance adult literacy.
  • Mission 2030 of Planning Commission of Pakistan looks for an academic environment which promotes the thinking mind. These goals should be taken very seriously and implemented with the utmost honesty, hard work and diligence.

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 Shoaib

Vivacious. And making waves.

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There is a need for Advocacy for Pakistani Women Scientists

6/5/2016

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​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.

women engineers pakistan
women engineers pakistan
STEM related fields are generally seen as ‘masculine’ fields. This belief takes its roots from the high school level where girls are noticed to be more fluent in arts, languages or social sciences; whereas subjects like mathematics and physics are seen as something at which only boys can excel at. At the graduate level, this gender gap becomes more obvious. In the branches of engineering, for instance mechanical or electrical, there are very few girls who enroll, and the grand majority opts for business, arts or economics.​​

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.

women engineers pakistan
women engineers pakistan

​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 Mashhadi

Be the change you want to see.

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Why aren't Pakistani Female Scientists featured in Curriculum?

4/5/2016

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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.

women engineers pakistan
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

women engineers pakistan

- 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 Shoaib

Vivacious. And making waves.

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Workplace harassment in Pakistan is real, how to fix it?

4/5/2016

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“Intimidation, harassment and violence have no place in a democracy.”  - Mo Ibrahim.

harassment pakistan
In the workplace everyone, regardless of sex, should be treated with equality, dignity and respect. Consequently workplace harassment of any kind should not be tolerated, as it completely violates the individual’s psyche and human rights.

​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.
  1. Sexual harassment
  2. Racial/ ethnic harassment
  3. Religious harassment
  4. Age harassment
  5. Gender harassment
​
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:
  1. Fear of losing their jobs.
  2. Fear of facing embarrassment or shame at being harassed.
  3. Psychological fear of being attacked by culprit again for speaking up about their harassment.
  4. Fear of being called a “liar” if harassment cannot be proved.

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 :
  • Senate Passes Bill Against Harassment of Women at Workplace.
  • Country Clears Landmark Bill against Workplace Harassment in Pakistan.
  • Bill Signed Into Law for Women's Protection against Harassment In Pakistan.
  • Backlash Rises Against Bill on Sexual Harassment.
  • Zardari Signs Bill: Harassment of Women Is Now a Crime.
  • The Law Against Workplace Harassment in Pakistan Exists, Now What?
  • Segregation Breeds Sexual Harassment.
  • Sexual Harassment Bill: ‘Implement Law to Protect Women.

 Year 2011:
  • Women Often Fear Repercussions for Reportage.
  • UN in Pakistan Endorses the 'Protection against Sexual Harassment at Work' Act.
  • Challenges In the Workplace: Working Women in Pakistan.

Year 2012:
  • Protection of Women against Harassment at Workplace Bill 2012.
  • NADRA Implementing Protection against Women Harassment Act.

Year 2013:
  • Workplace Harassment in Pakistan Continues To Hamper Women's Empowerment.
  • Sexual Harassment in Pakistan Is Increasing Despite the “Protection against Harassment of Women at Work Place Act 2010.

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:
  1. Start an awareness campaign to show that a Bill related to Women’s Rights in the workplace was passed.
  2. Create a photocopy manuscript of the bill of rights related to women rights in workplace and keep a copy of it at the workplace so that everyone is aware of their rights.
  3. If your friends or colleagues at work make “innocent” or “casual” jokes in this regard, condemn them and let them know that joking about such issues is not harmless, nor is it funny, as it subconsciously creates the notion that “harassment” is an issue to be taken lightly.
  4. Be aware of your workplace environment and colleagues. If you notice a certain employee acting differently or their motivation levels decreased, channel your emotional intelligence and don’t be afraid to ask them if they’re doing okay. You will be surprised to see how many people can open up about the harassment that they have faced if they have a helping hand and a lending ear.
  5. At your firm talk to your HR department to host a seminar or a work shop on sexual harassment.
  6. If your HR department does not carry through, during your office break, you yourself can talk of the rights of women and casually bring this topic to light.
  7. If all these tactics fail, then as a woman try to sit in groups with other women during lunch breaks and avoid going to the workplace bathroom alone.
  8. Try to avoid sitting alone for extra hours of work.
  9. If you are a spiritual individual then you can recite Ayat- Ul - Kursi before leaving for work.

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 Shoaib

Vivacious. And making waves.

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