Never Give Up, Stay Positive, Remain Focused, & Face Challenges
Women Should Never Consider Themselves Inferior
MWAP has Ambitious Plans to Overcome Challenges-Wajiha Rizwan
Prof. Shakila Zaman’s Advice to Female Healthcare Professionals
LAHORE: The Medical Women’s Association of Pakistan (MWAP), established last year, held its first conference at the University of Lahore on March 26th to honor and recognize impactful leaders among female healthcare professionals. The event also honoured the renowned researcher, Prof. Shakila Zaman, with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The conference attracted a large number of female healthcare professionals, many of whom now hold esteemed positions as professors, heads of departments, principals, and deans. The program also included a panel discussion.
Mr. Shaukat Ali Jawaid Chief Editor Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences along with Prof. Javed Akram and Dr. Gohar Wajid presenting a Memento to
Mrs. Shahnaz Raoof wife of late Prof. M. A. Raoof founder of UOL, who was the chief guest at the First National Conference of MWAP held on Feb. 26th 2025. Also seen in the picture on extreme left if Prof. Mahwish Arooj (SVP) and on Extreme right Prof. Wajiha Rizwan President of MWAP.
Prof. Shakila Zaman, an expert in Social and Preventive Pediatrics, Public Health, Growth and Nutrition, Immunology, Epidemiology, and Statistical Modeling, was a guest speaker in one of the sessions. Addressing the audience, she advised female healthcare professionals to focus on research and publications, establish their identity, and earn respect.
“Never give up. Stay positive, remain focused, and face challenges to ensure success in your professional life. Try to learn something new every day. I gained recognition through my work, research, and publications. I am known for my contributions and have supervised PhD candidates from numerous countries worldwide,” she said.
She also acknowledged the support she received from men during her career. “Prof. Shaukat Raza Khan was very kind to me and helped me significantly in my professional journey. Critical thinking is essential. I earned my PhD at the age of 35, which involved great struggle. My field of study, Clinical Immunology, transformed my life. My supervisor and co-supervisor played a crucial role in my success. There is no difference between men and women. While speaking in Sweden, even the Queen of Sweden was among my audience. When I pursued my PhD in Sweden, I was allowed to take my six-month-old child along with a maidservant. My husband supported me throughout. Challenges exist, but with consistency and determination, they can be overcome. This year, I have published numerous research articles,” she added.
Prof. Shakila Zaman and Bushra Butt speaking at the MWAP National Conference.
Prof. Shakila Zaman also serves as a Professor Emeritus at the University of Health Sciences, Lahore. Her research interests include interventional research for promoting child health, primary healthcare, maternal health, nutrition and growth, curriculum development, and research methodologies. These achievements led to her selection for the Lifetime Achievement Award by MWAP.
Empowering Women in Healthcare
MWAP President, Prof. Wajiha Rizwan, emphasized that challenges exist, but resilience is key. “I was never afraid. I dreamed of establishing the Medical Women’s Association of Pakistan and worked hard to realize this dream with the help of my colleagues. Women should never consider themselves inferior to men; they are equally competent. We have 33 founding members, and MWAP feels like a family. The University of Lahore has supported us from day one, for which we are extremely grateful. We are already affiliated with the International Association of Medical Women and will make our presence felt at a global level.”
She encouraged female healthcare professionals to stay updated with medical advancements and highlighted MWAP’s initiatives, which include addressing workplace harassment, breast cancer awareness, cervical cancer screening, and free medical care programs. MWAP regularly organizes webinars, seminars, training sessions, and academic activities. She also advocated for better hostel facilities in medical institutions and hospitals for students, residents, and young faculty members, as well as spaces for breastfeeding and prayer within institutions.
The Need for Female Representation in Leadership
Prof. Mahwish Arooj, Senior Vice President of MWAP and Principal of the University College of Medicine and Dentistry at UOL, stressed the importance of women supporting and collaborating with each other. “MWAP is a young association, yet we have achieved a lot in a short span. At present, 70-80% of students in medical and dental colleges are female. However, more than 50% do not continue practicing medicine after graduation, leading to a significant waste of talent and resources. Additionally, there is a leadership gap—no female doctor currently serves as the Vice Chancellor of a medical university. We must address these challenges. However, positive changes are also happening. At UOL, we have over 200 female employees and 11,000 female students, and we provide them with meaningful support. We offer safe learning environments, daycare centers, health and wellness programs, financial incentives, career breaks, and fellowship job opportunities. While we have made progress, there is still much to accomplish. “When Women Rise, Society Rises” she remarked.
Govt.’s Support for Female Healthcare Professionals
Bushra Butt reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for female healthcare professionals’ rights. “We need the support of fathers, sons, and husbands. Men and women are two wheels of the same vehicle and must move forward together. Women should have equal rights, and when both husband and wife support each other, they succeed. The support of fathers and husbands is crucial. I work without fear, and professional women should be willing to work anywhere.
Ms. Salma Butt, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Punjab stated that Women’s rights are human rights. We must ensure that no one takes our rights away. My advocacy extends to female doctors, nurses, lady health workers, and home workers. With 70% of our economy undocumented, we must also support home workers. Women should be included in decision-making and should not face restrictions on their professional growth. Workplace harassment must end. Courageous women are taking up the challenge and making significant contributions. They must never stop striving.”
