A special committee of the National Assembly, focused on integrating women into the national mainstream, convened a crucial meeting yesterday under the chairpersonship of Nafisa Shah. The session aimed to review key initiatives for women’s empowerment in education and ensure their equitable access to learning opportunities.
One of the major decisions made during the meeting was the provision of free laptops to students enrolled at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) and Virtual University. This initiative is expected to facilitate distance learning and online education, particularly benefiting female students who may face mobility constraints due to cultural or financial reasons.
During the briefing, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, shared insights into the progress of female representation in higher education. He highlighted that back in 2002, when the HEC was first established, only 37% of university students were female. Over the years, this ratio has significantly improved, and as of the latest statistics, female students now constitute 48% of the total university enrollment, while male students make up 52%. This shift reflects the growing accessibility of higher education for women, driven by government policies, scholarship programs, and increased awareness about the importance of female education.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed also addressed the committee regarding the implementation of anti-harassment policies in universities. He informed members that higher education institutions have been formally instructed to adopt comprehensive measures to prevent harassment and ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff.
The discussion then turned to the recent harassment scandal at Islamia University Bahawalpur, a case that garnered significant media and public attention. While acknowledging the gravity of the issue, Dr. Mukhtar stated that some aspects had been sensationalized on social media. He assured the committee that a thorough inquiry was conducted, and as a result, several individuals were held accountable.
Some employees were dismissed from their positions, while others faced legal action, with certain individuals still serving prison sentences. He reiterated that HEC remains committed to fostering a secure and inclusive academic environment for all students, particularly women.
The meeting concluded with a strong emphasis on further initiatives to enhance women’s participation in higher education and workplace safety. The committee members stressed the need for continued policy reforms, stronger enforcement of harassment prevention measures, and increased financial support for female students pursuing higher education.
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