GHAZIA BATOOL

A passionate finance professional and PhD candidate at the National Textile University, Ghazia is dedicated to unravelling the intricate relationship between finance and sustainable development, with a specific focus on circular business models. Armed with an MBA in Finance, her journey spans impactful research on SME lending relationships and successful entrepreneurial ventures. As a lecturer, she advocates for entrepreneurship, organizes expos, and champions women's empowerment through innovative circular initiatives.

“Persistence and Hard Work Can Overcome Even the Toughest Obstacles”

Q: Tell us a few things about you! Your background, your childhood and early beginnings!

I am Ghazia, a PhD scholar from Pakistan. I was born in a small town of Pakistan and had my education with the full support of my mother and sisters. I grew up very well with a lot of struggles in a society like Pakistan. I earned well at a young age to pay for my  education. Now, I am married and a mother of two little daughters. My work is in sustainability and circular economy and doing projects that help societies and have environmental benefits. My mother feels proud of me. And that’s all I have achieved in my life.

Q: What are some of the key challenges in your society currently? 

1. Women empowerment, especially in small towns of the country.

2. Environmental pollution and CO2 emissions - that's why I am working on it.

3. Being a poor country, there are financial issues in constructing a roadmap for students to grow.

4. Lack of rules of regulations especially for poor communities. There is no merit policy.

Q: Why is the role of a mentor important for you?

The role of a mentor is crucial for me as it provides guidance, support and encouragement in navigating the challenges I face in both my personal and professional life. A mentor helps me develop my skills, offers valuable insights from their experience and assists in overcoming obstacles, especially in a society where women's empowerment, environmental sustainability and educational growth are often hindered. Their support is vital in helping me achieve my goals and make a meaningful impact in my community.

Q: Do you have a lesson that life has taught you and you would like to share?  

One important lesson life has taught me is the value of resilience and determination. Despite facing numerous challenges and limited support, especially in a society where women often struggle for empowerment and opportunities, I have learned that persistence and hard work can overcome even the toughest obstacles. This journey has shown me the importance of believing in oneself and the power of education and community support in transforming lives.

Q: Name a project, a foundation or a person in your country that you think is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives! 

The Edhi Foundation, founded by Abdul Sattar Edhi, is doing remarkable work in Pakistan by providing extensive social and humanitarian services to improve the lives of the underprivileged.

Q: What are some of the challenges that women in your country face and what efforts are being made towards gender equality?

Women in Pakistan face numerous challenges, including limited access to education, employment opportunities and healthcare, as well as societal norms that restrict their autonomy and mobility. Gender-based violence and discrimination are also significant issues. Efforts toward gender equality include government initiatives like the Women’s Protection Bill, organisations such as the Aurat Foundation advocating for women's rights and various NGOs providing education and vocational training to empower women and improve their socio-economic status. Additionally, there are grassroots movements and increasing awareness campaigns focused on changing societal attitudes towards gender equality.

Q: Share with us a motto you live by.

"Persist with purpose and rise above adversity”.

This motto reflects my belief in the power of determination and resilience to overcome challenges and make a meaningful impact in the world.

Q: If you had all the money needed to launch the project of your dreams, can you describe what you would do?

If I had all the money needed to launch the project of my dreams, I would establish a comprehensive sustainability and circular economy institute in Pakistan. This institute would focus on three main pillars:

Education and Research: Providing advanced education and research opportunities in sustainable practices and circular economy principles, especially targeting women and underprivileged communities.

Community Development Projects: Implementing projects that reduce environmental pollution and CO2 emissions, such as renewable energy initiatives, waste management programs, and green infrastructure development.

Empowerment and Training: Offering vocational training and entrepreneurship programs to empower women and young people, equipping them with the skills needed to contribute to a sustainable economy.

The institute would collaborate with local and international organizations to ensure a significant impact, fostering a culture of sustainability and empowering communities to improve their quality of life.

Q: Anything else that you may wish to add? 

I would also focus on creating awareness and advocacy programmes to educate the public about the importance of sustainability and gender equality. This would include workshops, seminars, and media campaigns to shift societal attitudes and encourage community participation. By fostering a collaborative environment and leveraging technology and innovation, the institute would aim to create long-term, sustainable change, not only in Pakistan but also as a model for other developing countries facing similar challenges.