GILGIT, May 27: Women can excel in any field provided they are resolute and committed.

This was stated by the Vice-Chancellor, Karakuram International University, Dr Najma Najam, while addressing first convocation of Degree College for Women, Gilgit here on Friday.

She told a gathering of students, parents, notables and officials that education could bring a big change in life and build up a strong personality capable of dealing with challenges.

“Coming from a developed part and serving in a backward area for a woman like me was quit difficult but I took it as a challenge and did it efficiently”, said Dr Najma.

She congratulated those conferred upon degrees and said they had been included among those Pakistani women who had obtained higher education.

Dr Najma said the degree holders should prepare themselves for future and perform efficiently in the field they chose for themselves.

She paid rich tribute to mothers for enabling their daughters to get higher education. She stated the students were role model for others who should be motivated how to face the challenges.

Principal Degree College, Uzam Shehnaz, shed light on the history of the college and said it was established in 1974 when the then prime minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto visited the area.

She recalled that the college was first started in a single room with 15 students and 7 teachers. She said the college played instrumental role in promoting education among the area women. Later, 90 students were conferred upon degrees of BA and BSc.