Conference highlights women's leadership

Early-career researchers, global health experts gather to advance gender equity

KARACHI:

Women scientists, early-career researchers, and global health experts from across South and Central Asia convened at the Supporting Women in Science (SWIS) Conference 2025, hosted by the Aga Khan University's Institute for Global Health & Development (IGHD) in collaboration with the University of Oxford.

Now in its third year, the SWIS Programme has quickly emerged as one of the region's most significant initiatives for promoting women's leadership in science. Since its launch in 2022, the programme has received nearly 700 applications from around the world and currently supports 84 fellows across nine countries. SWIS provides mentorship, leadership development, research support, and scientific training in critical areas including maternal and child health, climate resilience, nutrition, adolescent well-being, and health systems strengthening.

The 2025 conference marks the culmination of Phase III of the programme, bringing together fellows from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, and Central Asian nations. Participants presented their research, strengthened cross-border collaborations, and engaged with senior academics and policymakers.

"Women scientists are reshaping public health, research, and innovation across the Global South," said Professor Zulfiqar A Bhutta, Founding Director of IGHD.