Empowering Women in STEM and Humanities: The Launch of the Amtul Hafeez Habibullah Scholarship Fund

Introduction

Education is accepted as a strong marketer for social change, but across many other things, it is financial and/or societal hindrances that often deny talented people—the most marginalized being women—access to a good quality higher education. In a landmark move to advance gender equity in higher education, Habib University has launched the Amtul Hafeez Habibullah Scholarship Fund. Established by Ashraf Habibullah, a world-renowned structural engineer and founder of Computers and Structures, Inc. (CSI), the fund is designed to empower women in Pakistan to pursue higher education in both STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and humanities.

The scholarship reflects the vision of Ashraf Habibullah, a renowned structural engineer and the founder of Computers and Structures, Inc. (CSI). Named in honor of his mother, Mrs. Amtul Hafeez Habibullah, a highly respected educator, this initiative aims to provide young women in Pakistan with the educational opportunities they deserve. The endowed scholarship fund will permanently support a total of 50 women scholars—25 in STEM fields and 25 in the humanities in perpetuity—by covering 100% of tuition costs for undergraduate programs at Habib University. This initiative seeks to eliminate financial barriers that hinder talented women from accessing quality education and making meaningful contributions to society.

BRIDGING THE GENDER GAP IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Globally, women continue to be underrepresented in STEM fields, limiting their potential contributions to technological and economic progress. In South Asia, societal norms, financial challenges, and limited access to quality education further exacerbate this disparity. According to the World Bank’s 2025 report on STEM education in the region, the “leaky pipeline” phenomenon remains a significant challenge, with female participation decreasing at each stage of education and workforce entry.

In Pakistan, while women constitute 44% of higher education enrollment, their presence in engineering and technology programs drops to just 12%, with 25% representation in computing fields. Meanwhile, the humanities face their own set of challenges, with limited financial support and societal pressure steering women away from these disciplines.

The Amtul Hafeez Habibullah Scholarship Fund addresses these gaps by making education accessible to women across both STEM and humanities disciplines.

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Ashraf Habibullah: Revolutionizing Structural Engineering

Ashraf Habibullah, the visionary behind this scholarship, is one of the world’s leading structural engineers. As the founder and president of Computers and Structures, Inc. (CSI), he has transformed the field of structural engineering with software solutions that have been instrumental in the design of iconic structures worldwide. His contributions to engineering have underscored the importance of diversity and inclusion in STEM.

During the dedication ceremony at Habib University, Ashraf Habibullah emphasized the vital role of women in shaping Pakistan’s future. “This scholarship is a tribute to my mother’s strong belief in the power of education to transform lives. By supporting women in both STEM and humanities, we are investing in a more inclusive and progressive Pakistan,” he stated.

A Tribute to a Legacy of Education

The scholarship is named in honor of Mrs. Amtul Hafeez Habibullah, a distinguished educator who earned her MA in Mathematics from Osmania University in Hyderabad Deccan and pursued a PhD in Mathematics in London. Although she could not complete her doctorate, she dedicated decades of her life to teaching mathematics at St. Joseph’s College and PECHS School in Karachi, inspiring generations of students. Her legacy of academic excellence and her commitment to education live on through this scholarship.

Speakers at the ceremony highlighted Mrs. Amtul Hafeez Habibullah’s extraordinary contributions to education and her enduring legacy. The event brought together students, faculty, and distinguished guests who emphasized the importance of dismantling systemic barriers that hinder women’s access to higher education.

During the launch event, students, faculty, and eminent guests remembered Mrs. Habibullah’s glorious legacy. The role of teachers in creating future leaders was brought to bear along with the consideration of dismantling systematic barriers that prevent women from getting an education.

Breaking Barriers: The Impact of the Scholarship

1. Encouraging Women in STEM

The gender disparity in STEM is rather loud in Pakistan. Among engineering students, only 12% of them happen to be female, resulting in gender biases, no mentorship, and few job openings.

The Amtul Hafeez Habibullah Scholarship Fund directly removes the financial restrictions involved in pursuing science and technology careers for young women by providing full tuition waiver.

2. Strengthening the Humanities

The general tendency is to look at STEM fields with regards to discussions about gender equity, with a lot of challenges still being experienced in the humanities. Most women are deterred from taking courses in literature, history, philosophy, and social sciences as a result of the societal expectations and limited financial backing. This new initiative reinforces the interdisciplinary model by giving 25 scholarships to humanities students.

3. Creating Future Leaders

The scholarship aims to do more than just fund education. It provides:

• Mentorship programs to guide students through academic and career decisions.
• Networking opportunities to connect scholars with professionals.
• Leadership training to ensure recipients become agents of change in their respective fields.

Habib University-A Hub for Inclusive Education

Habib University has been pursuing inclusive education for many years, keeping doors open for students coming from all walks of life.

With the establishment of the Amtul Hafeez Habibullah Scholarship Fund, the university further demonstrates its commitment to gender equity through ensuring that deserving women are facilitated to flourish.

Inspiration for Generations – The Mohamed Rafi Scholarship

Alongside the Amtul Hafeez Habibullah Scholarship, Ashraf Habibullah also established the Mohamed Rafi Scholarship at Habib University—a tribute to the legendary playback singer whose songs continue to inspire millions. Rafi’s music conveys messages of peace, love, and generosity—values that are especially relevant today. Habibullah believes in bridging the worlds of art and academia to help students grow as professionals, artists, and socially responsible individuals.

A Call to Action: Building An Equitable Future

The launch of the Amtul Hafeez Habibullah Scholarship Fund marks a historical moment that emphasizes the need for investment in the education of women.

How to Support the Initiative

• Raise Awareness: Share this initiative within your community to inspire more young women to apply.
• Offer Mentorship: Professionals can volunteer to mentor scholarship recipients.
• Corporate Sponsorships: Businesses can partner with Habib University to expand scholarship opportunities.
• Policy Advocacy: Support initiatives that promote gender equity in education.

Conclusion

The Amtul Hafeez Habibullah Scholarship Fund represents not only help from financial sources but regulates a complete change in women’s education. This fund is remapping the educational scenario in Pakistan through the removal of financial barriers, the promotion of interdisciplinary learning, and the provision of insight to generations to come.

Investing in women’s education, to ensure a progressive and inclusive future for Pakistan, is no longer an opportunity but rather a necessity. The legacy of Mrs. Amtul Hafiz Habibullah would continue to shine through the very scholars being supported by this initiative, giving way to a brighter and equal tomorrow.