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International WASH & MHM Expo-Conference 2025 at LCWU

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International WASH & MHM Expo-Conference 2025 titled “Breaking Barriers, Building Solutions”

 
The Department of Gender & Development Studies, LCWU and WaterAid Pakistan jointly organized the International WASH & MHM Expo-Conference 2025 titled “Breaking Barriers, Building Solutions” on 12th of November 2025.ConfWASHGSD2.jpeg - 400.98 kB

Prof. Dr. Uzma Quraishi, Vice Chancellor LCWU, emphasized the university’s commitment to advancing gender-responsive and inclusive WASH and MHM practices in Pakistan. Ms. Sadia Taimoor, Focal Person to CM, Punjab/Parliamentary Secretary for Women Development Department, graced the ceremony as Chief Guest, highlighting the government’s dedication to women’s health and empowerment and inaugurated the Breast Cancer Corner, LCWU by Pink Ribbon Pakistan.ConfWASHGSD4.jpeg - 365.06 kB

Mr. Muhammad Junaid, Country Director, WaterAid Pakistan, appreciated LCWU’s partnership and reiterated WaterAid’s mission to ensure safe and dignified WASH services for all.ConfWASHGSD5.jpeg - 461.28 kB

Earlier, Dr. Uzma Ashiq Khan, Incharge GDS, welcomed the participants, followed by a keynote address by Prof. Dr. Maria Fannin, University of Bristol (UK). Esteemed speakers were Dr. Rubina Sohail and Mr. Saeed Ul. Hassan. Innovative student-led projects promoting sustainable WASH and MHM solutions across Pakistan were also showcased and awarded from the special Guest Ms. Rushda Lodhi, Parliamentary Secretary.ConfWASHGSD1.jpeg - 500.97 kBConfWASHGSD3.jpeg - 386.67 kB

International WASH & MHM Expo-Conference 2025: Second Day Focuses on Research, Advocacy, and Inclusive WASH Initiatives

On November 13, the second day of the International WASH & MHM Expo-Conference 2025, organized by the Department of Gender & Development Studies, LCWU and WaterAid Pakistan, started with a keynote by Mr. Augusto (Educator, Counsellor, Country Advisor), followed by Ms. Raheema Panhwar (Gender Advisor, WaterAid Pakistan). ConfWASHGSD8.jpeg - 83.81 kBA panel on “Empowering Communities through Partnerships” featured Mr. Iftikhar Mubarak (Search for Justice), Dr. Sadia Salaar (Khawaja Sira Society), Mr. Samson Salamat (Centre for Human Rights Education), Dr. Bisma Imran (WaterAid Pakistan), and Ms. Saeeda Diep (Institute for Peace & Secular Studies). Scientific sessions on MHM, WASH Advocacy, and Climate Adaptability were chaired by Dr. Sarah Shahed (FCCU), Ms. Neelam Hussain (Simorgh), Dr. Ra’ana Malik & Dr. Nayab Javed (Punjab University), Mr. Khalid Mahmood (Muslim Hands), Dr. Iram Rubab (UHE), and Mr. Omer Aftab (Pink Ribbon). emphasizing research and inclusive, gender-responsive WASH initiatives.ConfWASHGSD9.jpeg - 230.88 kBConfWASHGSD6.jpeg - 242.92 kBConfWASHGSD7.jpeg - 180.29 kB

On November 14, 2025: The closing ceremony of the Three-Day International WASH Expo-Conference 2025, by Department of Gender & Development Studies, LCWU and WaterAid Pakistan, featured a keynote address by Dr. Lisa McClain, Professor of History and Gender Studies at Boise State University, USA, on inclusive menstrual hygiene management in U.S. universities. A dynamic panel discussion brought together Dr. Sara Rizvi (FCCU), Ms. Maliha Sajjad Naqvi (UNICEF), Mr. Salman Abid (IDEA), Syed Sarfraz Hussain Kazmi (Allah Wallay Trust), and Mr. Mubarak Ali Sarwar (AGAHE), who shared insights on advancing WASH practices and community awareness. The day also included the Activism on WASH Services and Digital Advocacy Competition, where students’ video entries were displayed and evaluated. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Uzma Ashiq Khan (GDS-LCWU) and Mr. Muhammad Sufyan (WaterAid Pakistan).