Honouring a legend: UK launches Asma Jehangir Scholarship

ISLAMABAD: To mark Women’s Day, the British High Commission on Thursday announced a new annual scholarship which is aimed at honouring the legacy of lawyer Asma Jehangir.

This scholarship will be awarded to the best female Chevening candidate each year, following the scheme’s rigorous selection process.

“I am delighted to announce that Asma Jehangir’s family has agreed to the creation of a scholarship in her name as part of our prestigious Chevening Programme,” said British High Commissioner Thomas Drew.

“It is particularly appropriate to be able to announce the award, which will each year go to the top female Chevening candidate, on International Women’s Day,” he said.

The British envoy eulogized Jahangir, noting that for decades she was a courageous defender of Pakistan’s most vulnerable citizens and a powerful advocate for the rights of women.

“This scholarship honours her achievements,” he added.

“Women across Pakistan, as they are around the world, are underrepresented in politics, in leadership positions and across society. We hope that this scholarship inspires future generations of Pakistani women by giving them a platform to realise their potential – helping, in turn, realise the great potential of their country,” he said.

Jehangir’s daughter, Sulema Jehangir said that her mother “believed passionately in the importance of higher education,” as she welcomed scholarship.

The Chevening scholarships are awarded to outstanding emerging leaders to pursue a one-year Masters programme at any UK university.

The scholarship programme provides a unique opportunity to future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers from all over the world to develop professionally and academically, to build networks, to experience UK culture, and to form lasting positive relationships with the UK.

In 2017, Chevening sent 63 Pakistanis to universities across the UK – including 23 women.

The recipient of the inaugural award will be announced in August when the 2018 Chevening Scholars have been selected. 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 9^th, 2018.