Breast Cancer Awareness Symposium
Prof. Salma Kundi, Director Province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, MWAP, organised a breast cancer awareness symposium on October 16, 2024 at Women’s Medical & Dental College and Women’s Institute of Learning & Rehabilitation Sciences, Abbottabad. The symposium aimed to promote breast cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. Collaborating partners included Inner Wheel Clubs of Abbottabad and Mushkpuri and Pakistan Medical Association. Faculty members from diverse disciplines delivered impactful lectures. Highlights included a Poster and Model Competition, actively participated in by students from MBBS, BDS, D-Pharmacy, Nursing, Psychology, and Allied Sciences. Shields and certificates were awarded to winners and contributors, emphasising the importance of collaborative learning and awareness.
MWAP Anniversary
MWAP celebrated its first anniversary on October 26, 2024 as a charitable organisation empowering women health professionals. Reflecting on the year’s achievements, MWAP released its anniversary newsletter. The newsletter shares insights from MWAP members and outlines the future goals as we continue to grow stronger together.
MWAP on its anniversary proudly announced the donation of child CPR simulators to the Children’s Hospital Lahore, facilitated through contributions from AIMC session 2003-2008. Special gratitude was extended to Vice Chancellor Prof. Masood Sadiq and Pro-VC Prof. Junaid Rashid for their unwavering support. This milestone reaffirmed MWAP’s dedication to fostering leadership and creating a tangible impact in the healthcare sector.
Male Champions of Change: Celebrating Leadership and Advocacy for Gender Equity on International Men’s Day
MWAP celebrated “International Men’s Day” on November 19, 2024, with an impactful event held at the United Christian Hospital. Under the leadership of Dr. Wajiha Rizwan, this event emphasised recognising male allies who have championed gender equity, inclusivity, and safe workplace environments for women in the medical profession.
Recognising Male Champions of Change
The event aimed to acknowledge men who have broken stereotypes, fostered inclusivity, and empowered women leaders in the healthcare sector. The highlight of the day was the recognition of Professor Dr. Javaid Akram as MWAP’s Male Champion of Change. Professor Akram, a globally renowned medical researcher and educator, has consistently demonstrated his commitment to advancing gender equity and supporting women in leadership roles.
Tribute to Professor Javaid Akram
With an unmatched Impact Factor of 672 and over 125 publications in prestigious journals such as The Lancet, BMJ, and NEJM, Professor Javaid Akram has made significant contributions to medicine and research. He served as Minister for Health, Punjab and held numerous leadership positions, including Vice-Chancellor of the University of Health Sciences, Principal of Allama Iqbal Medical College, and Chief Executive of Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. His achievements include leading groundbreaking COVID-19 research, ensuring free medical care for patients, and elevating medical education standards in Pakistan. He is also a founding member of the Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine which organised a Women in leadership program in collaboration with RCP which provided a platform to convert the idea of a women’s association into MWAP. His unwavering support for women in medicine and MWAP was acknowledged as a beacon of hope and inspiration.
A Ceremony to Inspire
Professor Khalid Masood Gondal, SVP, CPSP, VC, FJMU, an iconic leader in the health sector, visionary educator, and innovative thinker graced the event as Chief Guest. Prof. Mahmood Ayyaz, VC, KEMU, a transformative leader known for his academic and administrative excellence, and Prof. Mahmood Shaukat, renowned paediatric surgeon and ex principal, AIMC, joined as Guest of Honour. The event was impeccably organised by Professor Dr. Lubna Riaz, MWAP’s Director of Foreign Affairs and Chairperson of the Organising Committee, alongside Dr. Rabia Wajid, MWAP Treasurer.
Acknowledging Male Leaders Supporting MWAP
Over the past year, the Medical Women’s Association of Pakistan (MWAP) has had the privilege of working alongside exceptional male leaders who have been instrumental in advancing the organisation’s goals of empowerment, inclusivity, and safe workplaces for women in the medical profession. In recognition of their unwavering support, MWAP proudly acknowledged the following leaders by presenting shields of appreciation:
Professor Khalid Masood Gondal, celebrated as the most charismatic and impactful role model, for his visionary leadership and dedication to MWAP’s mission.
Professor Mehmood Ayaz, for consistently promoting safe workplace environments and setting a powerful example, with KEMU excelling under his guidance in MWAP activities.
Professor Fareed Zafar, honoured as one of the best male gynaecologists, for his outstanding contributions to improving women’s health in Pakistan.
Dr. Naeem Zafar, CEO of PAHCHAAN, for his leadership in representing MWAP at the UNHCR and presenting the Maternal and Child Health Centre initiative in areas occupied by Afghan refugees.
Col. (R) Dr. Khalid Raheem, a stalwart in medical education, for his consistent support and guidance in shaping MWAP’s initiatives.
Professor Mulazim Bukhari, for leading collaborative webinars between MWAP and PMA, fostering professional dialogue and growth.
Professor Iqbal Dogar, for his unwavering support of MWAP and hosting Women’s Day 2023 at Gujranwala Medical College.
Professor Sohail Chaughtai, recognized as the most impactful leader in the private sector, for his contributions to healthcare and women’s advancement.
Souvenirs were presented to the Founding President of MWAP, Dr. Wajiha Rizwan by the male leadership of Pakistan, including the CPSP Council, PSIM, and the Director of DME, UHS, in recognition of her significant contributions and positive role in women empowerment initiatives in the health sector.
Seminar on Epilepsy in Pregnancy
On November 22nd. 2024, the Sindh chapter of the Medical Women’s Association of Pakistan (MWAP) organised a seminar on Epilepsy in Pregnancy, led by Director Sindh MWAP, Prof. Haleema. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Zareen from the National Epilepsy Control Centre, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC). Esteemed panelists included Dr. Nayela Shehbaz, Professor of Neurology at Dow University, Karachi; Dr. Khalid Sher, Chairperson of the Academic Council and Neurology Department at JPMC; and Dr. Sarwar Siddique. The event featured an engaging talk followed by a case-based discussion, fostering dynamic interaction among attendees.
A multidisciplinary team of obstetricians and neurologists collaborated to recommend evidence-based management strategies for epilepsy during the reproductive years. The seminar was attended by a large number of doctors and trainees, sparking thought-provoking discussions on optimising care for women with epilepsy during pregnancy.
16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence: MWAP Webinar
On December 10, 2024, MWAP organised a webinar titled “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: What’s the Way Forward?” to address workplace harassment and gender-based violence in healthcare. Dr. Aysha Zaheer, Director of the MWAP Harassment Cell, provided insights into harassment reporting processes and support mechanisms. Dr. Wajiha Rizwan shared practical strategies for managing workplace harassment cases, emphasising professionalism and evidence-keeping. The panel discussion, featuring Prof. Lubna Kamani, Dr. Nazish Imran, Dr. Salman Kazmi, and Ms. Shakeela Arthur (MPA, representative of CM, Punjab), highlighted systemic support needs and policy-level changes. Moderated by Prof. Saima Batool, the event marked a significant step toward creating safe and inclusive workplaces.
Dr Wajiha Rizwan
President MWAP