A webinar marking International Women’s Day was successfully organized by the Department of Gender Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore under the theme “Give to Gain: Generosity, Collaboration and Shared Progress for All.” The session brought together distinguished scholars and practitioners from diverse academic and professional fields to deliberate on the importance of collective action for gender equality and inclusive development.
The webinar was arranged under the leadership of Dr. Fauzia Saleem Alvi, who also delivered the welcome address, highlighting the significance of collaborative academic engagement in advancing gender justice and inclusive social transformation.
The panel featured Prof. Dr. Ra’ana Malik (Department of Gender Studies), Prof. Dr. Rubeena Zakir (Department of Public Health), Prof. Dr. Abida Ashraf (School of Communication Studies), Prof. Dr. Uzma Ashiq (Social Work), and Dr. Sonia Omer (Sughra Begum Centre for Education, Policy and Development). The webinar was moderated by Ms. Saba Lodhi, who facilitated a dynamic and engaging dialogue among the panelists and participants.
During the discussion, speakers emphasized that generosity through mentorship, knowledge sharing, and institutional support is essential for building equitable social systems. The panel underscored the vital role of academia, media, social work, and policy frameworks in fostering shared progress and translating awareness into practical action. The importance of culturally responsive approaches and the strategic use of digital platforms to amplify inclusive narratives was also highlighted.
The webinar provided a meaningful platform for critical reflection on contemporary gender challenges, encouraging participants to adopt collaborative strategies for sustainable social transformation. Active participation from faculty members, students, and civil society representatives reflected a growing commitment to gender-responsive development.
The event concluded with a collective call to strengthen cross-sector partnerships and operationalize the principle of “Give to Gain” through concrete initiatives promoting equality, justice, and human dignity.