Medical Women’s Association of Pakistan representatives attend MWIA Congress 2025

The Medical Women’s Association of Pakistan (MWAP) proudly represented Pakistan at the Medical Women’s International Association (MWIA) Congress 2025, held at the Grand Nile Tower Hotel in Cairo, Egypt. The MWIA, comprising representatives from 70 member countries, holds consultative status with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, making it one of the most influential global networks of women physicians.

Dr. Wajiha Rizwan, Founder and President, MWAP, and Prof. Shamsa Humayun, Senior Vice President, MWAP, attended the Congress as official delegates from Pakistan. The Pakistani delegation actively participated in the Flag Parade, raising the national flag of Pakistan with pride, symbolizing the country’s growing voice in international medical and women’s leadership.

Dr. Wajiha Rizwan delivered an impactful talk on “Breaking the Silence: Safeguarding Females from Child Abuse and Neglect,” presenting five-year data from the Child Protection Unit of the Children’s Hospital, Lahore. Her address highlighted the urgent need for early identification, intersectoral coordination, and social awareness to protect children from abuse. She dedicated her presentation to the martyrs of Khuzdar, where innocent schoolgirls lost their lives in a school bus bombing, underscoring the continuing struggle to ensure safety and dignity for every child.

In her remarks, Dr. Wajiha also emphasized that women in Pakistan are increasingly emerging as leaders and change-makers. She highlighted how the largest province, Punjab, is now headed by a female Chief Minister, Madam Maryam Nawaz, whose initiatives for women’s empowerment and inclusion in leadership are commendable. She further noted that First Lady Miss Asifa Bhutto, a young and dynamic leader and daughter of the late Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan’s first female Prime Minister, represents the continuing legacy of women’s leadership in the region.

Prof. Shamsa Humayun presented an insightful session on Perinatal Mental Health, emphasizing the importance of supporting maternal well-being through early screening and integrated healthcare systems for women and children.

During the Congress, Dr. Wajiha Rizwan  led Pakistan in the Central Asia Regional Business Meeting, with participation from Thailand and India. The session focused on advancing research, academic collaboration, and leadership exchange across the region. Delegates from China, Korea, Egypt, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines also expressed interest in future partnerships with Pakistan in the areas of research, education, and professional development.

The participation of MWAP at this international forum marked another significant milestone in its mission to empower women in medicine, promote gender equity, and strengthen Pakistan’s global collaborations in advancing women’s and children’s health.