Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Gender Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore and Bargad Organization for Youth Development

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Department of Gender Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore and Bargad under the project “Building the Ecosystem of Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing in Pakistan,” supported by the British Asian Trust Pakistan.

The MoU was signed by Professor Dr. Rubeena Zakar, Chairperson, Department of Gender Studies, and Ms. Sabiha Shaheen, Executive Director, Bargad.

The MoU establishes a collaborative framework aimed at promoting youth mental health and wellbeing in Pakistan through academic, community, and advocacy-based engagement. Under this partnership, students will be engaged in the Youth Mental Health Network to strengthen youth leadership and support youth-led advocacy campaigns focusing on mental health awareness and wellbeing.

Additionally, parent champions and educators engaged through the Parent-Teacher Support Network will contribute towards promoting mental health literacy, reducing stigma surrounding mental health, and creating supportive and inclusive spaces for young people. The collaboration envisions working collectively towards a future where young people in Pakistan can thrive with improved mental wellbeing and healthier social environments.

The focal persons from both institutions, Dr. Ambreen Salahuddin (Convenor External Linkages Committee, Department of Gender Studies) and Mr. Rabia Dar, Program (Coordinator, Bargad), also signed the agreement. The signing ceremony was attended by members of the External Linkages Committee, including Ms. Nazia Abdul Ghaffar and Ms. Nudrat Kamal. Faculty members Dr. Qaisar Khalid Mahmood and Dr. Muhammad Uzair also witnessed the signing ceremony.