Women Leadership Forum

Empowering Women, Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders

The Women Leadership Forum at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), an initiative spearheaded by Dr. Irum Saba will foster leadership development, create networking opportunities, and advocate for women in leadership roles.

Our Vision

Empower women leaders to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and lead with confidence, skill, and resilience.

Our Mission

To equip women with the tools, networks, and opportunities necessary to thrive in leadership roles by providing capacity-building programs, advocacy efforts, networking events, and corporate training, empowering them to navigate challenges and achieve their fullest potential.


Key Activities and objectives

Capacity Building

1. Capacity Building

The Women Leadership Forum offers comprehensive programs aimed at developing essential leadership skills, including but not limited to communication, decision-making, conflict resolution, and strategic thinking. Our capacity-building initiatives are designed to empower women to take on leadership roles in their organizations and communities with confidence and competence.

  • Workshops and Seminars: In-depth sessions focusing on leadership development, emotional intelligence, and career growth.
  • Mentorship Programs: Connecting aspiring leaders with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, support, and advice.

2. Advocacy

At the heart of our forum is a commitment to advocating for gender equality in leadership roles. We work to raise awareness about the barriers women face in achieving leadership positions and actively promote policies and practices that foster inclusivity and diversity in workplaces.

  • Panel Discussions: Bringing thought leaders, academics, and industry professionals together to discuss the importance of women’s leadership and how we can address systemic challenges.
  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Highlighting the need for equal representation of women in leadership across various sectors.
Capacity Building
Capacity Building

3. Networking Opportunities

The Women Leadership Forum provides a space for women leaders to connect, collaborate, and share experiences. We understand the importance of strong networks in career growth, and our events are designed to bring women from diverse fields together to build lasting professional relationships.

  • Networking Events: Regular meetups, conferences, and events where women can network, exchange ideas, and build connections.
  • Collaborative Projects: Opportunities for women leaders to collaborate on impactful initiatives in their respective fields.

4. Corporate Trainings

We partner with businesses and organizations to offer tailored corporate training programs that focus on fostering women’s leadership within the workplace. These programs are aimed at both individuals and organizations, helping them to develop a more inclusive and supportive corporate culture.

  • Leadership Development Programs: Specialized training modules that equip women with the skills needed to lead effectively within corporate environments.
  • Inclusive Leadership Workshops: Helping organizations create more inclusive leadership structures and promote diversity at all levels.
Capacity Building


Women Leadership Forum, Founder Dr. Irum Saba

Dr. Irum Saba

Dr. Irum Saba is a distinguished academic and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and leadership development. With extensive experience in academia and the financial industry, Dr. Saba has been a trailblazer in promoting inclusive leadership, particularly in fields with low female representation.

She holds a PhD in Islamic Finance and has over 20 years of experience in both teaching and research. Her contributions to Islamic finance and gender leadership have been widely recognized at national and international levels. She also plays a crucial role in shaping future leaders through hands-on corporate trainings and has been actively involved in conducting training programs across various sectors.  As an Associate Professor at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Dr. Saba has dedicated her career to fostering leadership in young women and advocating for gender equality in leadership roles.

In her role as the founder of the Women Leadership Forum, Dr. Saba’s vision is to create a platform that not only empowers women but also inspires change by challenging traditional leadership paradigms. Her focus on capacity building, advocacy, and networking ensures that women leaders have the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive environment.

Get Involved

Are you passionate about women’s leadership? Join us in our mission to empower and uplift women leaders across industries. Whether you're looking to develop your own leadership skills, advocate for change, or expand your professional network, the Women Leadership Forum at IBA offers opportunities for you to get involved.

  • Become a Member: Join a community of empowered women committed to making a difference.
  • Participate in Events: Attend our workshops, panels, and networking events to learn, grow, and connect with other leaders.
  • Partner with Us: Organizations and businesses can partner with the forum to create customized corporate training programs or collaborate on advocacy initiatives.

For information & queries, contact us; oric@iba.edu.pk