Habib University hosted the inaugural lecture for the Lady Fatima Endowed Faculty Chair in Women and Divinity on Thursday. The pioneering academic chair is the first of its kind in the world, marking a transformative moment for women’s studies and religious scholarship.
The event featured Dr. Larisa Jasarevic, an independent scholar from Bosnia-Herzegovina, who delivered a thought-provoking lecture titled Thinking on the Tattered Planet: Ecostress, Religion, and the Gender Quarrel. Dr. Jasarevic explored themes of climate change, Islamic metaphysics, and the legacy of women in religion, focusing on the importance of sustainable living through lessons drawn from Prophetic teachings and the stories of Hazrat Bibi Fatima (RA).
The Lady Fatima Endowed Faculty Chair, named in honor of Bibi Sayeda Zahra (RA), aims to highlight the often-overlooked contributions of women like Sayeda Zahra (RA) and Bibi Zainab (RA) in religious and cultural narratives. This initiative is part of Habib University’s mission to foster interfaith dialogue, academic excellence, and gender equality. Dr. Jasarevic remarked, “With the Lady Fatima Chair in place, how do we respond? What can religion, specifically Islam, offer at a time when the planet is rapidly being undone?” She emphasized the need for humanities and social sciences to play a larger role in addressing the global climate crisis.
The event was attended by students, faculty, and scholars from across the country, including industry leaders such as ZeelafMunir, CEO of English Biscuit Manufacturer, and Zehra Hassan, Family Office Manager at House of Habib. The presence of Habib University donors, including ShahbazYasin Malik, President and CEO of Hilton Pharma, further underscored the significance of the occasion. Founding President Wasif Rizvi celebrated the establishment of the Lady Fatima Endowed Faculty Chair, noting that it aligns perfectly with the university’s vision of creating a transformative educational experience.
He said, “An endowed faculty chair with such a unique perspective shows strong resonance with Habib University’s distinct mission.” The lecture series will continue to explore the intersections of femininity and divinity, offering a new intellectual space for conversations on women’s roles in religion, society, and environmental stewardship.
