IBA Karachi organizes a panel discussion to commemorate International Women's Day

March 8, 2022: The HR Department at the IBA, Karachi organized a panel discussion on 'Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow' at the Main Campus, to celebrate the International Women's Day. Attendees included the IBA faculty, students and staff.

The panel comprised eminent women from diverse backgrounds including, Saba Kamal, BoG member IBA, HBL, and Packages; Nasira Zuberi, Senior Journalist & Media Person; Nilofer Saeed, Director Citizens Foundation (TCF) & Founder, Necos Natural Store and Cafe; Zoya Mohsin Nathani, Independent Director & BOD member of Askari Bank Ltd.; Zanjabeel Asim Shah, Pakistani Drama Writer; Kaif Ghaznavi, Pakistani Performer and Director of Cultural Festivals 'Bunvat'; Hafsa Shamsie, Managing Director, Roche Pakistan; and Hina Minhaj, Head of Retail Operations, Team A Ventures. The panel was moderated by Ms. Malahat Awan, Director, Alumni Relations, Resource Mobilization and Corporate Relations, IBA.

The event commenced with a welcome note by Ms. Awan. She then introduced the exceptionally talented speakers and invited them on the stage to share their experiences and inspiring journeys.

In alignment with this year's theme of 'Break the Bias', the speakers talked about their journey towards success and emphasized that the society needs to stop concealing the pertinent issues concerning women and that the media has a responsibility to highlight these injustices and issues to aware the masses and the women about their rights and their rightful position in the society. They speakers advised the women folk to stay firm in their objectives and keep striving for their goals by not letting the society and its biases hindering them from attaining them.

In the session, the 'Me Too' movement was also discussed and it was narrated that there were individuals who falsely claimed to be victims of harassment which silenced the voices of the real victims and prevented them from receiving justice.

Panelists from the corporate sector shared their experiences and emphasized that it's important for a person to remain true to their authentic self and to take criticism with a pinch of salt. It was further stated that sometimes men can be better support system for women than women. It was reiterated that the sky is the limit when it comes to achieving one's goals and one should stick to their inner calling and reach for the moon.

An engaging Q&A session ensued between the panelists and the audience.

IBA Faculty member, Dr. Irum Saba, Associate Professor, Department of Finance and Moeid Sultan, Director Finance IBA, presented mementos to the esteemed speakers.