Lahore, December 17, 2022 (PPI-OT):The University of Lahore (UOL) strives to create a working environment that takes into account the fundamental principle of equal rights for both men and women. Since its inception in 1999, the university’s policies and atmosphere have been free of bias and discrimination.
The open-minded attitude, impartiality, and cultural harmony have nurtured meaningful development and long lasting peace, unity, and diversity at the institution. To date, the university employs 1620 (35 percent of the total workforce) female staff in the academic and administrative departments, teaching hospitals, and satellite clinics.
At UOL, women serve in varied capacities that make them contribute optimally and wholesomely to the prosperity of the organization. Some are trustees or members of the board of governors; others are pro-rectors, deans, directors of entities, principals of colleges, institutes, or schools; others are heads of non-academic units; several are professors who are heading academic departments; others are teachers, and many are healthcare providers.
With the aim of recognising the general contribution of women at UOL and the exceptional efforts of the meticulously nominated female staff, a special ceremony dubbed “Phenomenal Women Awards 2022” was held on November 28, 2022, at the Defence Road Campus. Mr Ali Aslam (Registrar) and Ms Nida Javaid (Manager, Human Resource) organized and hosted the event under the guidance and supervision of Mr Awais Raoof (Chairman, BoG) and Prof Dr Muhammad Ashraf (Rector).
Recognitions and recollections
During his speech as the chief guest of the maiden event, Mr Raoof acknowledged the contribution of Mrs Shahnaz Raoof and Mrs M H Qazi to the 23-year journey of UOL. “Whatever you see today at UOL is an outcome of Mr M A Raoof and M H Qazi’s vision. These two sat in one room with a typewriter and set the foundation of this now great university. The two great men had two great women around them who always deserve our profound recognition,” he said.
“Ms Shaheen Abid was hired as the first telephone operator, and she is still with us now. Dr Nahid Sultana, Dr Rabiya Raoof, and Mr Nasir Mehmood later joined the team,” he added. He vowed to continue making UOL one of the safest working environments for women in the region. He said that based on the dream of the two founders, i.e., M A Raoof and M H Qazi, UOL is envisioned to be among the top 100 universities in the world. He announced that the Phenomenal Women Awards will be given every year, and nominees will receive their awards from women instead of men.
Inspiration and Assurances
Mr Abdulhamid Moza (Director, Press and Publications Cell, and PhD Scholar in Communication Studies) opened the event by reciting Quranic verses. He then gave a brief spiritual address in which he urged modern women to emulate great and historical women such as Hazrat Hajara (wife of Hazrat Ibrahim, AS), Hazrat Maryam bint Imran, Hazrat Asia bint Muzahir, Hazrat Khadija bint Khuwaid, Hazrat Aisha bint Abu-Bakr, and Hazrat Rufaidah Aslamiyyah.
Women are a major theme in the Qur’an. A full Chapter 4 (An-Nisa – women) and Chapter 19 (Maryam) are permanent marks to recognise women. “Men and women are equal before Allah, and their contributions to society are complementary,” he said. He tasked the audience with beginning to document the great contribution of women, which is usually blurred by the parochial tendencies of many societies.
Similarly, the rector, while sharing his welcoming remarks, acknowledged the historical contribution of women during the golden era of Islam. He echoed the UOL’s commitment to the promotion of women’s rights, saying, “We shall continue to create a conducive environment for women at the UOL.” “Our female staff is committed to serving the university, and our support for them is guaranteed.”
Testimonies of women in the workforce
Prior to the rector’s welcoming remarks, a video clip featuring the testimonies of nominated women employees was displayed. “Working here has been a great learning experience; UOL has empowered me both mentally and financially; working here has helped me grow both personally and professionally; UOL is my second home, and my team is my family, and UOL has shaped me into a strong and empowered woman,” some of the testimonies read.
Other testimonies read: “The relations I have formed here are priceless; UOL has become my second home over the years; I am proud of being a part of this prestigious institution; UOL is the best thing that has happened to me; I simply love UOL; I owe my success to this institute, and it is not just an organisation, it is an integral part of my life.”
The joy of awards
A total of 132 female staff received awards in the areas of quality research (15); excellence in teaching, administrative support, and academic support (64); inspirational motherhood (01); corporate social responsibility (01); international representation of UOL in strategic linkages and sports fraternity (02); phenomenal headship of departments (15); longevity in service (03); and healthcare services to the surrounding communities (31).
Mr Raoof, Dr Ashraf, Mr Nasir Mahmood (Pro-Rector, Academics), Prof Dr Mahwish Arooj (Principal, University College of Medicine, and Director, Medical Education), and Dr Zahid Pervaiz (Medical Superintendent, ULTH) presented the prestigious awards to the well-dressed and joyful women workforce.
Seven of the 132 awards were given in a special way: Mrs Shahnaz Raoof received the Mother of UOL Award; Mrs Farah Mahmood received the CSR Award; Dr Rabia Akhtar received the International Representation of UOL Award; Ms Hummaira Farah received the International Representation of UOL in Sports Award; Ms Shaheen Abid and Ms Farah Yousaf received the Voice of UOL.
Dr Akhtar, Dr Shahzadi Tayyaba, Ms Hummaira, and Ms Abid were given a special slot to share their success stories from their time at UOL. They all paid tribute to UOL senior management generally and Chairman BoG in particular for the endless support rendered to them to prove their worth. “My joining UOL is greatly attributed to Ms Wajeeha Raoof.
She convinced me to join UOL, and I have not regretted my decision. “Sir Awais has given me everything I need to become who I am today,” Dr Akhtar said. Ms. Hummaira shared her deepest gratitude to UOL for letting her get international exposure. Ms Abid was overwhelmed by the joyful mood of the evening while recalling the rugged moments of UOL in early 2000. She was also named the university’s oldest employee.
Although there were a few male staff members from the senior management, the event was predominantly attended by varied categories of female staff, including pro-rectors, deans or principals, directors, heads of department, faculty and administrators, health workers, and support staff.
A few days prior to the awards ceremony, all the female staff of UOL received a certificate of recognition for their outstanding efforts and valuable contribution towards the university, signed by both the rector and chairman of the Board of Governors.
For more information, contact:
The University of Lahore
1 – KM Defence Road, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-111-865-865, +92-42-35322501 +92-42-35321761
Email: info@uol.edu.pk
Website: www.uol.edu.pk