In a groundbreaking development, the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) has welcomed 30 women scholars from Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, signifying a pivotal shift in the region's educational sphere. These outstanding women have received fully funded master’s scholarships as part of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cities Improvement Project (KPCIP), a visionary program backed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) aimed at revolutionizing urban infrastructure and service delivery.
The scholarships, formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed between AIT and KPCIP, are a powerful testament to the commitment to gender equality and empowerment. This initiative is not just about academic achievement; it’s about unlocking the potential of women to drive social and economic progress in a region where such opportunities have historically been scarce.
The scholars arrived at AIT’s dynamic campus, where they were met by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Thailand, Her Excellency Rukhsana Afzaal, at the Embassy of Pakistan in Bangkok during the 77th Independence Day celebration. Ambassador Afzaal expressed pride in their accomplishments and emphasized the vital role of education in empowering women and driving societal advancement. She pointed out that educating women is a wise investment in the future, as educated women are more likely to bring positive change to their families, communities, and economies.
Selected from a highly competitive pool of over 4,000 applicants, these scholars are pursuing fields essential for the sustainable development of their homeland. The seven programs at AIT they are enrolled in—Construction Engineering and Infrastructure Management; Water Engineering and Management; Data Science and Artificial Intelligence; Climate Change and Sustainable Development; Environmental Engineering and Management; Development Planning Management and Innovation; and Urban Innovation and Sustainability—are aligned with KPCIP’s Gender Action Plan, ensuring their education will make a significant and practical difference.
Mr. Dawood Khan, Secretary of the Local Government Elections and Rural Development Department, highlighted the importance of AIT’s multicultural environment for the scholars' professional growth and expressed confidence in their ability to adapt and thrive. “This program, exclusively for female candidates, reflects our commitment to empowering women through higher education and professional development. It aligns with our government's broader agenda to create equal opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated sectors”, he said.
The arrival of these scholars signifies more than the start of their academic journey; it represents the initiation of a broader movement toward gender equality and empowerment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and beyond. As these women embark on their roles as students and future leaders, they embody the aspirations of a region poised for progress and equality. AIT and KPCIP officials are dedicated to ensuring the program's success and establishing it as a model for future initiatives focused on empowering women through education. This milestone is not just an academic achievement but a crucial step in the ongoing effort to create a more equitable and inclusive world.
