Less Talk, More Action: An International Conference on Changing the Course of Women’s Academic Leadership

Ms. Robeela Bangash, CEO of HRDN, delivered a keynote address at the “Less Talk, More Action: An International Conference on Changing the Course of Women’s Academic Leadership,” which took place from October 17th to 19th, 2023. This conference was organized by the Islamic International University Islamabad (IIUI) as part of the project titled “Shattering the Glass Ceiling: Challenges and Opportunities for Women Academic Leaders in Pakistani Universities,” funded by Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission. In her keynote speech, Ms. Bangash emphasized the pivotal roles of both government entities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in advancing gender equality in academic leadership. She highlighted the central role of governments in crafting and enforcing policies that mandate equal representation and financial support for initiatives that promote women’s leadership in academia. Governments have the power to incentivize educational institutions to actively pursue gender equality. Concurrently, NGOs provide crucial support by advocating for policy reforms, delivering training and mentorship opportunities, conducting research, and building networks for women in academic roles. This collaborative effort between governments and NGOs is essential for reshaping the academic landscape, empowering women, and ensuring equitable access to leadership positions.