The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Islamabad and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) recently celebrated International Women’s Day by announcing 500+ scholarships for flood-affected university students. Half of these scholarships will be awarded to female students, covering one academic year at 30 Pakistani universities.
The event was attended by prominent figures such as the Federal Minister for Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, and the US Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome, along with Vice Chancellors and Students/MNBSP alumni from various universities. Mr. Iqbal highlighted the importance of education and skills in driving the country towards progress, and encouraged female students to pursue education and contribute to society with their innovative ideas.
HEC Chairman, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, commended the role of USAID in the socio-economic development of Pakistan and emphasized the need for collective action to promote women’s empowerment and gender equality. US Ambassador Blome announced an additional 500 scholarships for flood-affected students under a merit and needs-based program.
USAID scholarships
During the event, a documentary video of a female scholarship recipient was played, and three female scholarship recipients were presented with certificates. Since its inception, HEC has been committed to empowering women and providing equal opportunities in higher education, with USAID reserving 50% of scholarships for females under the Merit and Needs-based Scholarship Program (MNBSP) Phase-I and II.