Women in Mathematics Day observed at IUST

Awantipora, May 16. The Department of Mathematical Sciences, Islamic University of Science and Technology celebrated Women in Mathematics Day.
The event commemorates the contribution of women in mathematics and is held every year on the birthday of Maryam Mirzakhani who was the first and only woman to win the Fields Medal- the highest prize in mathematics.
The event was presided over by Prof. Manzoor Malik, Dean, Academic Affairs IUST and was attended by Dean of school, faculty members, students, scholars and faculty members. The speakers talked about the challenges that the female scientists experience and encouraged the women students to persist in their dreams, as they have a bright future ahead. They also spoke about the women scientists who have received laurels at the national and international levels. Prof. Fozia Qazi, HoD Mathematical Sciences presented the historical perspective of the factors responsible for underrepresentation of women in math and some challenges that still persist. She also talked about the areas and issues that the female mathematician should focus on. Dr. Peer Bilal and Dr. Bilal Para also spoke during the event.
Besides screening of two video documentaries on the life and work of Mirzakhani, female mathematics scholars shared their experiences in the field and spoke about the opportunities and challenges for the women in Mathematics.