Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore, hosted the closing ceremony of the Higher Education Commission’s (HEC) Mentorship Program for Universities (MPU), marking the culmination of a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening professional development, leadership capacity, and academic excellence among women in higher education.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of Dr. Noor Amna Malik, whose visionary role in initiating and supporting the Mentorship Program has been instrumental in its nationwide impact. The event was hosted by Prof. Dr. Iram Anjum, Principal of Kinnaird College for Women, whose continued commitment to women’s empowerment and institutional growth has provided a strong foundation for such initiatives.

The program at Kinnaird was led by its focal person, Dr. Aiysha Safdar, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Law, who successfully coordinated and implemented the mentorship activities, ensuring meaningful engagement between mentors and mentees. Dr. Kalsoom Akhtar, Vice Principal Kinnaird College and Prof Dr Rukhsana Kausar, Professor Emeritus also attended the event.

Over the course of the program, mentors and mentees engaged in a series of structured sessions focusing on professional growth, leadership skills, emotional resilience, ethical development, work-life balance, and the integration of emerging tools such as artificial intelligence in academia. The initiative provided a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, personal reflection, and capacity building, particularly for women academics aspiring to leadership roles.

The closing ceremony showcased highlights of the program through presentations and reflections, capturing the journey, achievements, and impact of the mentorship experience. Participants shared their insights, emphasizing the program’s role in fostering confidence, clarity of purpose, and professional advancement.

In her remarks, Prof. Dr. Iram Anjum appreciated the HEC for introducing such a timely and impactful initiative and commended the efforts of Dr. Noor Amna Malik for her visionary leadership.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment to sustaining mentorship culture within academic institutions and further strengthening networks that empower women in higher education.

Kinnaird College for Women continues to serve as a hub of academic excellence and women empowerment, actively contributing to national initiatives that promote leadership, inclusivity and diversity.