The ISESCO Women in Science Chair was awarded to Dr. Bushra Mirza, Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Biochemistry, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad in 2013. TheInauguration Ceremony of the Chair was held at the Quaid-i-Azam University on March 19, 2013 where participants discussed the role of women leaders in higher education with particular reference to OIC Counties and Pakistan.

Prof. Dr. Samina Amin Qadir, Vice Chancellor, Fatima Jinnah Women University, was one of the keynote speakers. While addressing the ceremony she briefly mentioned challenges, gaps and opportunities, which Pakistani women leaders in higher education are facing."Being in a position of power does not bestow leadership qualities. This has to be earned through awareness, proactive training and affirmative action. Pakistani women professionals need to know their professional strengths without compromising their religious, cultural or social identity," she said.

Dr. S. Tanveer Kauser Naim, Consultant COMSTECH, in her presentation, highlighted the state of women in higher education. She said that despite low literacy level and low enrolment in higher education and huge inter- provincial, urban/rural and male/female disparities women of Pakistan have done marvelous job. She said that 3 out of 66 public universities in Pakistan have women vice-chancellors while women comprise approximately 25 per cent of university faculty.

Prof Dr. Mudassir Asrar, Chairperson PCST and Mr. Iftikhar Hussain, Secretary General, Pakistan National Commission for UNESCO addressed the audience highlighting the role of women in the advancement of science and technology. The recipient of ISESCO Women in Science Chair Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza and the Vice Chancellor QAU, Prof. Dr. Massom Yasinzai also presented their views at the occasion.