By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Youth Tube, a development consulting firm, in collaboration with the Punjab Education and Curriculum Training Authority (PECTAA), successfully organized a two-day capacity-building workshop titled “HER-izon – Strengthening Female Educational Leadership.”
The workshop was attended by Salma Sadia Temur, Parliamentary Secretary for Women’s Development; Ms. Mehwish, representative of PECTAA; Mr. Iqbal Haider Butt, CEO of Youth Tube; and Ms. Sabiha Shaheen, Focal Person of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program and Executive Director of Bargad. A total of 50 female headteachers from various districts of Punjab also participated in the workshop. The objective of the training was to empower female headteachers with leadership skills to drive change at the school level, strengthen professional networks, and serve as effective advocates for educational policy reform.
Key modules during the workshop included the structure of the education system, creating safe and inclusive school environments, increasing community engagement, and using digital media to boost student enrollment. Participants were introduced to AI tools for tracking student performance, methods for activating school councils, and techniques for promoting girls’ education via social media. A creative tote bag painting activity was also held to foster peer interaction and teamwork.
Addressing the participants, Salma Sadia Taimur emphasized that empowering women educators remains a top priority of the Punjab government. She noted that the Chief Minister of Punjab has launched eight key initiatives for girls, including mobile skill development units and youth pitch programs across 18 districts.
Ms. Mehwish of PECTAA praised the HER-izon initiative, describing female headteachers as “agents of change for equitable education” and reiterated PECTAA’s commitment to using their insights to improve girls’ enrollment, retention, and inclusive learning outcomes.
Ms. Sabiha Shaheen highlighted the dual responsibilities of women educators in both professional and family roles, stressing that educational policies must be tailored to reflect their real-life challenges and needs.
Iqbal Haider Butt, CEO of Youth Tube, remarked, “This workshop marks the beginning of a movement for gender-responsive educational leadership in Punjab.”
Project Officers Muzammil Majeed and Hussain Sajjad Hashmi stated that the HER-izon project is building a vibrant and empowered network of female headteachers committed to transforming the educational landscape.
The workshop concluded with the formation of the Punjab Female Headteachers Network, which will lead social action projects, policy advocacy, refresher trainings, and peer support activities at the district level.
