Our today’s inspirational story is about Azmat Baig hailing from the beautiful Gitch valley located in Punial Tehsil of Ghizer district in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Azmat Baig’s story unfolds as an inspiring narrative of dedication, perseverance, and commitment.
Hailing from a serene yet a challenging backdrop, Azmat Baig has achieved a significant milestone by being appointed as a visiting faculty of Gender Studies and Human Rights at Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad (QAU).
Getting appointed as a visiting faculty at QAU is a testament to her unshakable resolve and the unwavering financial and emotional support she received from her family. In a society plagued with gender-based challenges, Azmat has demonstrated highest level of courage and steadfastness in her academic pursuit.
Azmat Baig recieved her primary and middle education at the Diamond Jubilee School, Gitch. She was offered admission at one of the prestigious regional schools, “the Aga Khan Higher Secondary School (AKHSS), Sherqilla” to continue her education at SSC and HSSC level.
I owe this success to my parents, sisters and brothers for their unwavering support, trust and belief in my potential that empowered me to act as an independent, responsible and confident person in life.
Azmat Baig
In 2014, Azmat embarked on her academic journey at Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU) to pursue her undergraduate studies in Gender Studies. Completion of her undergraduate degree in Gender Studies instilled in her passion for promoting gender equality and addressing critical human rights issues in society. She did not stop here, she further pursued her M. Phil in the Gender Studies from Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad from 2021 to 2023.
Azmat’s research work is truly commendable as it addresses crucial societal issues revolving around gender specific biases and prejudices. For example, her undergraduate thesis, titled “Socio-Cultural Barriers Faced by Women in Reporting Domestic Violence to Police in District Ghizer, Gilgit Baltistan,” focused on the pressing issue of domestic violence and the complexities of reporting it to law enforcement institutions. Her dedication to addressing such critical issues through academic endeavors as well as practical activism is commendable.
Similarly, her M. Phil thesis, “Impact of Climate Change on Women’s Lives in Ghizer, Gilgit-Baltistan,” underscores her commitment to environmental and social concerns, contributing not only to academia but also offering the potential for positive change in the community of Gilgit-Baltistan.
During her academic journey, the first challenge she faced was moving to Islamabad from Gilgit-Baltistan as a girl. The transition to a new environment with different cultural dynamics was not easy for her. Nevertheless, her positive approach shaped by effective parenting provided her with the resilience needed to adapt and thrive in her new environment.
“I urge young people to pursue their education with a strong sense of humanity and gender equality. Challenge societal stereotyping that limit potential of individuals, esp. girls”.
Azmat Baig
With time, Azmat experiences made her more independent, bold and empowered in making choices of her life. According to her, all this was possible because of her family’s constant support and trust in her potential to navigate through unfolding challenges of her academic journey.
Azmat Baig is also associated with the Aga Khan University and the Aga Khan Foundation as part of a number of contract based projects. Her involvement with organizations such as Aga Khan Rural Support Program (AKRSP) and her role as a general consultant at IMMUNE COMMUNE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (ICRD) reflect her dedication to making a lasting impact on society.
“My motivation to address the challenges faced by women in my community and society was deeply rooted in my upbringing. In an environment where gender inequality was a stark reality, my family played a pivotal role in nurturing my desire for change”.
Azmat Baig
Throughout her university life, Azmat actively participated in leadership roles and social activism, emphasizing the importance of practical application alongside academic knowledge. She believes practicing what you preach is fundamental to effecting real change in society, a principle she continually upholds. Her passion for sports and involvement in various activities, including badminton and volleyball, have contributed to her self-improvement and personal growth.
In a message to the youth, Azmat Baig urges young students to pursue their studies with a strong sense of humanity and equality. She emphasizes the need to challenge societal stereotypes, particularly those that limit the potential of individuals, especially girls. She advocates for making Gender Studies a compulsory discourse in all educational institutions and academia, envisioning a more equitable and just society.
Azmat Baig’s story is a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of determination and unwavering support from family and society. Her journey from a small village to a faculty position at one of Pakistan’s premier universities is an inspiration for aspiring students and a compelling example of what can be achieved with dedication, perseverance, and a deep commitment to positive change.
