Medical Women Art Exhibition & Painting Competition
The Medical Women Art Exhibition and Painting Competition was successfully held at the Shakir Ali Museum, Pakistan National Council of the Arts, under the theme “Where Medicine Meets Art.” Organized by MWAP, the event showcased the artistic talents of women in the medical field and celebrated the intersection of medicine and creativity. Chaired by Prof. Nabila Talat with Dr. Rabia Wajid as secretary, there was a vibrant painting competition and soulful Qawwali performance that added cultural depth. The event provided an inspiring platform for healthcare professionals to express themselves beyond their clinical roles, highlighting the therapeutic value of creativity in promoting well-being. The afternoon included keynote addresses by distinguished guests, including Mr. Adnan Afzal Chatta, Member of the Punjab Assembly and Chairperson of the Taskforce on Skill Development, along with the President of MWAP, emphasizing the importance of artistic expression in healthcare. The program concluded with a prize and certificate distribution, group photographs, and a networking tea, underscoring that the art of healing and artistic expression are deeply interconnected.
MWAP Research and Education Support Initiatives
MWAP, with the support of the Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences (PJMS), announced three research scholarships worth PKR 50,000 each for female researchers and clinicians. These scholarships were introduced to support women in healthcare who are actively engaged in research and academic growth, with residents, nurses, and junior consultants given preference. Through this initiative, MWAP, alongside PJMS, one of Pakistan’s leading and highest impact factor medical journals, aimed to encourage academic excellence, strengthen research culture, and provide women healthcare professionals with opportunities to pursue innovative projects and contribute meaningfully to medical science.
In addition, MWAP extended its support to the Certificate Course in Lifestyle Medicine at The University of Lahore, designed to empower healthcare professionals to go beyond prescriptions and create sustainable, long-term health outcomes for patients. As part of this initiative, MWAP announced a 50 percent fee waiver for the top two candidates shortlisted by its scholarship committee, offering deserving women healthcare professionals further training in lifestyle medicine, preventive care, and patient-centered health management.
International Women’s Day Event – “Give to Gain”
To mark International Women’s Day, MWAP organized the event “Give to Gain” at the Children’s Hospital Lahore on 14 March 2026 during the holy month of Ramadan, dedicated to honoring female hospital support staff, many of whom are the sole providers for their families. Dr. Wajiha Rizwan, President of MWAP, opened the event by acknowledging the resilience, dedication, and essential contributions of these often-overlooked members of the healthcare workforce. The program featured a keynote address by Prof. Nabila Talat, who discussed the challenges faced by women and the importance of strong mentorship networks and support systems. A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Rahat Ul Ain explored themes of mentorship, leadership, and collaboration, with distinguished speakers sharing insights: Prof. Shamsa Humayun highlighted the transformative role of mentorship in career development, Prof. Ayesha Humayun discussed how empowering others strengthens leadership, Prof. Saima Chaudhry emphasized the need for structural reforms and mentorship opportunities for women in academic medicine, Dr. Ghazala Moin stressed the importance of investing in girls’ and women’s health, and Amatul Inayat highlighted the value of supportive leadership in nursing. The event was graced by Chief Guest and Medical Director CHL, Prof. Tipu Sultan, who, alongside Dr. Rabia Wajid, distributed cash gifts among the honored staff as a gesture of appreciation.
Medical Women’s Association of Pakistan (MWAP) – Sindh Chapter
The Medical Women’s Association of Pakistan (MWAP), Sindh Chapter celebrated International Women’s Day on 31st March 2026 at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi, under the theme “Give to Gain.” The program featured a keynote by Prof. Emerita Tasnim Ahsan on selfless contribution, an insightful talk on leadership and mentorship by Prof. Lubna Kamani, and a panel discussion on “Road to Gender Equality – Dream or Reality in Pakistan” moderated by Prof. Nusrat Nisar with panelists Prof. D.S. Akram, Dr. Fatema Jawed, Prof. Khalida Soomro, Prof. Arfana Mallah, and Prof. Huma Kayani Saigol. The sessions highlighted women’s achievements, the importance of mentorship, resilience, and leadership, and the need to recognize contributions fairly. Support staff who have served with honesty and dedication over decades were also acknowledged with certificates and tokens of appreciation.
Awards & Recognitions:
- Lifetime Achievement Award:
- Prof. Emerita Tasnim Ahsan – For extraordinary contributions and lifelong dedication to society.
- Impactful Health Leader Awards 2025:
- Sindh:
- Prof. Rufina Soomro – Breast Surgery
- Prof. Sajida Qureshi – Upper GI Cancer & Robotic Surgery
- Dr. Nazish Butt – Gastroenterology
- Prof. Aisha Mehnaz – Child Rights Activist
- Prof. Binafsha Manzoor Syed – Clinical Research
- Punjab:
- Prof. Huma Kayani Saigol – Ophthalmology
- Prof. Mahwish Arooj – Medical Education
- Prof. Iqbal Bano – Pediatric Pulmonology
- Prof. Ayesha Hummayun – Public Health & Community Research
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:
- Dr. Bushra Khan – Gynaecological Oncology
- Baluchistan:
- Dr. Ramsha Akhtar – Regenerative Dentistry
- Founder Excellence Award:
- Prof. Shamsa Humayyun – For pivotal role in establishing and growing MWAP.
- Change Makers Award (Male Allies):
Prof. Masood Sadiq, Prof. Jamal Raza, Mr. Shaukat Ali Jawaid, Prof. Amjad Siraj Memon, Prof. Khalid Sher, Dr. Omer Sultan – For supporting women and promoting leadership opportunities.
Tamgha Aisar-e-Tib – Dr. Mahwish Hussain Shaheed:
During the mega event of Women’s Day held in Karachi, Tamgha Aisar-e-Tib was posthumously conferred upon Dr. Mahwish Hussain Shaheed, who was brutally murdered on 22nd February, 2026 after courageously asking an attendant to leave the women’s area in the emergency department. This tragic act during Ramadan underscores the risks female doctors face while serving humanity. Despite immense grief and ongoing threats, her husband received the award on her behalf on Women’s Day, exemplifying strength, dignity, and courage. Dr. Mahwish Hussain Shaheed will always be remembered as a dedicated doctor and a brave woman who stood for the dignity, safety, and respect of women.