Session hosted by Dr. Amara Dar
Where good science meets global purpose
This flagship session brought participants together for an inspiring, action-oriented conversation on how women in STEM can drive real progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It wasn’t a theory lecture. It was a working session on what’s actually possible when technical skill is pointed at a real problem.
Sher Shah Khan Bangash, founder of Skillistan and a sustainability advocate who has trained over 1,000 SDG fellows worldwide, walked participants through how women in STEM are already shaping climate, clean energy, and sustainable innovation work, and what it takes to build a career that does the same.
What we covered
- Women as drivers of sustainable change — The critical role women in STEM play in tackling global challenges like climate change, clean energy, and sustainable innovation.
- Bridging STEM and the SDGs — Turning scientific knowledge into real SDG progress, designing solutions that are actually sustainable, and building impact-driven research from day one.
- Empowerment through leadership — Why more women need a seat at the STEM leadership table, and building confidence, visibility, and inclusive ecosystems on purpose.
- Youth & global impact — Taking initiative in your own community first, and aligning a STEM career with sustainability goals.
Key takeaways
- Women in STEM aren’t just participants in the SDGs. They’re essential catalysts for actually achieving them.
- A STEM career doesn’t have to choose between purpose and progress. The two can move together.
- Real empowerment comes from a combination of skills, leadership, and opportunity, not any one alone.
- Collaboration and community are what turn individual effort into sustainable, lasting progress.
Why this session mattered
Strengthened awareness of the SDGs within the wider STEM community, inspired participants to consider careers that are genuinely impact-driven, and reinforced WEmpower Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and inclusion.