News

The first-ever meeting of the Gender Mainstreaming Committee, recently constituted by the Vice Chancellor, was held at the University of Sargodha under the convenorship of Dr. Rehana Ilyas.
The committee shared a collective vision to serve as the principal forum for promoting gender equity and inclusivity by integrating gender perspectives into all spheres of the university’s functioning.
Through this initiative, the Vice Chancellor envisions the University of Sargodha as an inclusive, equitable, and progressive institution that empowers all individuals regardless of gender.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Rehana Ilyas, Convener of the Committee, stressed the need for a mindset shift within institutions and society, emphasizing that gender mainstreaming requires capacity building and continuous sensitization to enable women to perform at their best.
She noted that women’s participation should be driven by competence and opportunity rather than quotas, adding that gender mainstreaming involves addressing the concerns and participation of male, female, and transgender individuals alike.
Dr. Nargis Abbas highlighted that addressing human resource development is crucial for Pakistan’s overall progress. Referring to national employment data, she observed that 1.2 million women, primarily employed in lower-grade positions, remain underrepresented — underscoring the urgent need for their effective inclusion in decision-making processes.
She suggested that, in line with the Committee’s mandate to promote gender equity and inclusivity in academia, administration, and governance, a structured set of recommendations should be prepared to guide institutional action.
Echoing the sentiment of institutional growth, Dr. Asiya Saif Alvi acknowledged that the University of Sargodha has made commendable progress toward inclusion over the years. She appreciated the formation of the committee as a positive continuation of those efforts.
The Committee also discussed strategies to ensure a safe and respectful campus environment by addressing issues such as workplace harassment and gender-based barriers. Members agreed to organize awareness campaigns, training workshops, and periodic reviews as part of the Committee’s ongoing plan.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to translate the university’s gender mainstreaming vision into actionable steps, ensuring inclusivity, equality, and empowerment across all levels of the University of Sargodha.