Int. Women’s Day & World Sleep Day 2025 at JSMU
KARACHI: Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) took a bold step in advocating for gender equality and holistic well-being by jointly celebrating International Women’s Day and World Sleep Day. Despite the observance of Ramadan, the event brought together leading experts, policymakers, faculty members and media to address the pressing challenges faced by women in Pakistan while underscoring the often-overlooked importance of sleep in maintaining overall health and productivity. The event was organised by the Prof. Muhammad Iqbal Afridi, JSMU & Dean, Tony Buzan Academy.
JSMU recently held a meeting to celebrate the International Women’s Day. Photograph taken on the occasion shows some of the speakers along with some participants. Prominent among them are Prof. Iqbal Afridi, Prof. Tipu Sultan,
Dr. Minhaj Qidwai and others.
Speakers at the event highlighted Pakistan’s persistent gender disparities in education and leadership. Despite female literacy rates rising to 51%, they remain significantly lower than the 72% male literacy rate, emphasizing the urgency of equal access to education. Furthermore, with women occupying only 20% of seats in the National Assembly, discussions focused on breaking systemic barriers and increasing women’s representation in leadership roles to create a more equitable society.
JSMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Amjad Siraj Memon stressed the critical need for family planning and population control. He emphasized that empowering women through education, healthcare, and equal opportunities is not just a matter of social justice—it is essential for national progress and economic development.
Speakers at the International Women’s Day meeting held at JSMU were presented traditional Sindhi Ajrak. Group photograph shows some of the speakers wearing Ajrak with Prof. Amjad Siraj VC JSMU & some organizes.
Prof. Nighat Shah, shed light on the severe health risks faced by women, particularly in rural areas. She pointed out that frequent pregnancies often lead to chronic nutritional deficiencies, severely impacting both mothers and their children. Dr. Shah also raised awareness about the alarming issue of sex-selective abortions, calling for urgent policy interventions to eliminate gender bias and safeguard women’s rights.
The event also brought attention to the crucial role of sleep in maintaining mental and physical health. Prof. Dr. Iqbal Afridi, an eminent psychiatrist, emphasized that sleep is as essential as nutrition and exercise. He warned that sleep deprivation can lead to impaired cognitive function, weakened immunity, and a heightened risk of chronic diseases, urging individuals and communities to adopt healthier sleep habits.
The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Prof. Tipu Sultan (Chancellor, Malir University) and Senator Karim Khwaja (Chairman, Sindh Mental Health Authority), alongside senior faculty members of JSMU, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Dr Shehla Naseem (Secretary, College of Family Medicine Pakistan), Prof. Washdev Amar (Head of Psychiatry, DUHS) to mention a few. Senator Bushra Anjum Butt (Chairperson Committee, Federal Education and Professional Training) shared her insights via a video message, reinforcing the need to prioritize women’s empowerment and sleep health as integral components of national well-being. Mr. Raymond D. Keene OBE (Chancellor, Tony Buzan Academy and Global President of BrainTrust UK) and Prof. Ahmed Ali Khan (Vice Chancellor, Tony Buzan Academy and Vice President of Brain Trust – India, Pakistan & Bangladesh) also shared their valuable insights through their official messages to commemorate the days and laid emphasis on the event themes.
Mr. M. Younus Khan renowned professional cricket coach and former captain of the Pakistan National Cricket Team, attended as a special guest. His presence highlighted the critical link between peak athletic performance and quality sleep, inspiring attendees to view rest as a key factor in overall success. In recognition of his contributions, he was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Professor Dr. Iqbal Afridi. The former cricketer also visited the newly built JPMC Psychiatry ward (Rashid Soorty Building), and appreciated this public-private partnership endeavour. He lauded the efforts and vision of Prof. Dr. Iqbal Afridi TI, Patients Aid Foundation (Mr. Mushtaq Chapra TI and Prof. Tariq Mehmood TI) and JPMC for establishing a state-of-the-art facility in Pakistan.
The event concluded with distribution of certificates and Ajraks to participants, celebrating a commitment to advancing gender equality and health awareness. Through this impactful initiative, JSMU reaffirmed its dedication to building a society where every individual, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities to thrive.
This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Advocating for sleep as a fundamental component of overall health, and SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Addressing gender disparities in education, leadership, and healthcare.
By addressing both women’s empowerment and the significance of sleep health, JSMU continues to pave the way for meaningful social change, ensuring a future where equality and well-being go hand in hand. (PR)
