RAWALAKOT (Kashmir English): The Forum for Educational Policy and Research (FEPR), in collaboration with the University of Bolton’s Centre for Leadership and Empowerment, the Centre for Islamic Finance, the University of Poonch Rawalakot AJK, Pakistan, and the Centre for South Asian Studies Punjab University, successfully hosted its first International Hybrid Seminar.
The event marked a significant milestone in international academic cooperation aimed at advancing gender equality through education.
With the theme “Cultural Dynamics and Policy Interventions: Educational Pathways to Women’s Empowerment,” the seminar brought together leading academics, researchers, and educationists from around the world.
Discussions centered on leadership, empowerment, and gender equity, particularly within developing nations.
Speakers at the seminar
Notable speakers included Dr. Imran Syed Hamid from the University of Greater Manchester (UK), Professor Fazl ul Hadi from Ankara (Turkey), Professor Naheed from the University of the Punjab (Pakistan), Dr. Muhammad Ishaq from Ulster University (UK), Professor Zakria Zakar, Vice Chancellor of the University of Poonch Rawalakot (AJK), Professor Christian Harrison from the University of Greater Manchester (UK), and Dr. Lubna Zafar who represented the University of Poonch Rawalakot.
In his key address, Professor Zakria Zakar, Vice Chancellor of the University of Poonch, highlighted the institution’s strong commitment to women empowerment.
He discussed various strategic initiatives at University of Poonch Rawalakot aimed at creating an inclusive academic environment, with a special emphasis on the recently-launched Daycare Center.
The center, he noted, is designed to support female faculty, staff, and students by enabling work-study balance and fostering a family-friendly university culture.
Dr. Lubna Zafar provided a comprehensive briefing on the center’s facilities, operational structure, and the challenges encountered in its implementation and management.
The forum participants highly appreciated the Vice Chancellor’s forward-looking vision and acknowledged Dr. Lubna Zafar’s commitment and tireless efforts in making the Daycare Center a functional and impactful support system for working mothers and student parents.
This initiative was recognized as a model example of institutional support for women’s empowerment in academic settings.
The seminar concluded with a collective commitment to further collaboration and policy advocacy to create inclusive, supportive educational environments worldwide.
