Empowering the Women: UET Women Empowerment Forum

"Woman must not accept; she must challenge. She must not be awed by that which has been built up around her; she must reverence that woman in her which struggles for expression”- Margaret Sanger

The exuberant UET- Techno Fest event, along with technical projects and presentations, competitions solely for the young engineers, also focused on “Women empowerment”, which in fact is the real need of the time.
Women empowerment is not an issue which is confined to only under-developed or developing countries. Women all across the world have to suffer from innumerable challenges. In order to get success they have to strive hard. However, with the increasing awareness, the term “women empowerment” has caught the attention. Both women and men, who were outraged by suppression of women’s talent, have taken initiatives to strengthen the skills already present in the women on a global level. Moreover, steps are being taken to convert them into a productive element for the country where they can walk side by side with the men of the society.
Pakistan, though a developing state, has given a lot importance to women empowerment. Due to state’s and non-state’s efforts, Pakistan has produced several women which are a symbol of proud for the country. Some of the examples are Naseem Hameed- Gold medalist of SAF games, Nameera Sameel- first Pakistani explorer to reach to the North and south poles and Saba Khan- Pakistan’s first fighter pilot.
Therefore, by realizing the need of hour, UET organized a seminar on women empowerment. The seminar emphasized on the importance of women in the field, and challenges which they have to face with. The purpose behind the seminar was to appreciate and encourage young girls in the field of engineering. The motivational speeches of speakers present in the forum served as an inspiration which illuminated their paths even more. The series of events were planned by WIE-UET (Women in engineering) Affinity group.
Women in Engineering (WIE) is one of the world's leading professional organizations which promotes the importance of women engineers as successful professionals and technologists.
According to IEEE website, “For the very first time in the history of UET, its IEEE who has taken a great initiative by establishing a vibrant community for women engineers known as "IEEE UET Women in Engineering". IEEE has opened new horizons and has provided a platform to women engineers where they can show their talent and serve technology. IEEE WIE recognizes and appreciates women's outstanding achievements in electrical and electronics engineering. It's the golden chance for women engineers in UET to come forward and make this world realize their worth and recognize their exceptional work and skills.”
WIE aims at encouraging, inspiring and acknowledging women engineers across the globe. IEEE WIE focuses at increasing career opportunities and providing a professional, economical and social support to women worldwide.

The women empowerment forum included:
• A lecture on “Women social Development” by a professional trainer.
• A talk titled why to join WIE?
• Launching ceremony of Pakistan WIE forum promotion project.
• A panel discussion, where successful professional women engineers spoke about how they built their careers by keeping the balance of their private lives intact. A session for questions and answers also took place at the end of the discussion.

WIE also arranged competitions to keep the event interactive. There were competitions for sketching, photography and a quiz featuring general knowledge, technical and entertainment questions. A competition “conceptualize your notion” also took place in which participants were asked to make flyer/ brochure on Adobe Photoshop CS4 to publicize the given theme effectively. This competition lasted for an hour.
While speaking to the forum speakers were of the view, that in order to achieve goals, woman of today needs to be brave, confident and emotionally strong. Speakers emphasized that self-discovery and self-understanding is the key to success. From the early stages of education, teachers and parents should help girls to choose the subject of their interest instead of imposing their demands on the young student.

One of the speaker encouraged attendees to depend on themselves rather than waiting for others for holding their fingers in order to take them ahead. “Trust yourself, and move forward” she added.
While responding to a question related to male chauvinism in the professional fields, a speaker replied that, now, the time has arrived to change the mindset of employers. “Employers should trust females, as they are full of talent and skills,” she said.

The event ended on a note of services by famous women for instance Benazir Bhutto- first Pakistani Prime Minister, Sania Mirza, Indra Gandhi etc who even with all the hardships moved forward by kicking off all the obstacles of their way.
"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead."
—Louisa May Alcott

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This is the Second Part of UET Techno Fest Event, 2011

See the: Direct Link to the coverage for MORE Magazine

Read first part of UET event here: UET Techno fest event