Executive Director – SZABIST ZABTech
SZABIST University · Sindh & Balochistan · Pakistan
A nationally recognized TVET leader, workforce development strategist, and champion of women empowerment — transforming lives through inclusive, industry-driven technical education across Pakistan since 2001.
"Skills are the most powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty — and every woman, every youth deserves access to that power."
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Ms. Waheeda Mahesar is the Executive Director of SZABIST ZABTech — an institution established by SZABIST University and recognized as one of the largest TVET providers across Sindh and Balochistan. With ten chapters and multiple Project Implementation Units, ZABTech delivers market-driven, inclusive technical and vocational training to youth, women, school dropouts, and marginalized communities.
Her professional journey began as a Research Associate at the University of Sindh, followed by a faculty role at SZABIST University. Over more than two decades, she progressed through leadership positions — Principal → Manager Academics & Training → Director → Executive Director (appointed December 2023).
Ms. Mahesar has represented Pakistan at multiple international TVET forums, trainings, and conferences across Europe, Asia, and Australia. Her cross-cultural exposure and participation in socioeconomic, rights-based, and civil society platforms have significantly shaped her globally-informed leadership approach.
Her engagement spans government bodies, UN agencies, EU, GIZ, bilateral donors, and industry — building bridges that translate skills education into real economic opportunity for Pakistan's most vulnerable communities, with a particular focus on women and marginalized youth.
Over two decades of progressive leadership in technical education, workforce development, and institutional management across Pakistan.
Leading all Provincial, Federal, and International TVET initiatives. Overseeing 10 chapters and Project Implementation Units (PIUs) across Pakistan. Managing partnerships with UN Agencies, EU, GIZ, Government of Sindh and Government of Pakistan.
Led multiple large-scale national and international TVET projects, delivering measurable impact for tens of thousands of marginalized women, youth, and communities across Sindh.
Supervised academic programs and training quality across multiple centers, ensuring delivery standards and operational excellence throughout the network.
Led academic operations, faculty management, and community-level training programs over a decade — laying the foundation for large-scale TVET expansion across Sindh.
Taught Computer Science courses at SZABIST Larkana — the beginning of a lifelong commitment to education and human development in Sindh.
Began professional career as a Research Associate at the University of Sindh — building the academic foundation that would shape a 25-year career in education and workforce development.
Championing women's economic participation through skills programs creating pathways to dignified employment and entrepreneurship — especially for women in rural and marginalized communities, including transgender and home-based workers.
National ProgramsDriving systemic reform through policy advocacy, curriculum modernization, and standards development aligned with national and international benchmarks. A recognized voice in Pakistan's TVET policy discourse at provincial and federal levels.
Policy & StandardsEquipping youth with future-relevant digital competencies — from foundational IT literacy to AI-assisted productivity — enabling Pakistan's young workforce to compete in the 21st century digital economy.
Digital EconomyLeading advocate for integrating green and sustainable skills into TVET curricula, preparing Pakistan's workforce for the emerging green economy and climate-resilient industries of the future.
SustainabilityBuilding robust public-private partnerships aligning educational outcomes with real market demand — creating graduates who are job-ready through employer-driven curriculum design and strategic industry engagement.
PPP ModelDesigning and scaling employment-focused vocational programs addressing youth unemployment at scale — with particular focus on reaching marginalized youth in underserved and rural regions of Sindh and Balochistan.
Youth ImpactAppointed to multiple prestigious governance and advisory bodies in recognition of her expertise in education, workforce development, and institutional leadership.
Appointed as Member contributing to strategic institutional governance and policy direction of this nationally recognized institution.
Member, Board of GovernorsAdvising on education policy, examination standards, and academic governance at regional level in Sindh.
Board MemberMember of a significant CSR platform focused on community development and welfare in the Thar region of Sindh.
Board of Directors MemberInternational Expert in the CPIA Expert Bank — recognized as a global-standard TVET authority between Pakistan and China.
International ExpertRausing Executive Development Centre, LUMS in collaboration with Australia Awards Pakistan · March 2018
TAFE, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia · July–August 2017
Colombo Plan Staff College for HRD, in partnership with NAVTTC, Pakistan · August 2017
UNPO, The Hague, Netherlands (City of Justice) · August 2015
Asia Conference, New Delhi, India · August 2014
International University of Technology (IUT), Dhaka, Bangladesh · November 2013
Pakistan Institute of Management (PIM), Karachi · August 2007
Pakistan Institute of Management (PIM), Karachi · August 2003
International exposure across 3 continents — Europe, Asia, and Australia — for TVET forums, advocacy programs, and professional development.
A sought-after keynote speaker, panelist, and thought leader on education reform, skills development, and women's leadership. Her speeches have garnered millions of views on digital platforms — reflecting her powerful reach in shaping Pakistan's national discourse on TVET and inclusive development.
Every time a woman gains a skill, she doesn't just change her own life — she changes her family, her community, and her nation. That is the power of inclusive TVET education.
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Proficient in a wide range of digital tools, enterprise systems, and AI-powered productivity platforms — ensuring modern, technology-driven institutional management.
Ms. Mahesar's commitment to public service extends far beyond institutional roles — rooted in a deep belief that education and social justice are inseparable.
Active advocate for women's rights, anti-harassment measures, and social justice — engaging civil society, government institutions, and international organizations on gender equity and inclusion across Pakistan.
Led relief and rehabilitation initiatives for flood-affected communities in 2010–11 and 2022 across Sindh — coordinating emergency services, resources, and support for thousands of displaced families.
Established tent schools and industrial homes for displaced and flood-affected communities, ensuring continuity of education and livelihood support even in crisis conditions across rural Sindh.
Conducted career counseling and awareness sessions across rural districts of Sindh, guiding thousands of young people toward viable skills pathways and employment opportunities through TVET programs.
Directed community-level skills development initiatives in collaboration with the Planning & Development Department, Govt of Sindh — uplifting underprivileged youth in underserved union councils and tehsils.
Long-standing member of civil society organizations including Women Action Forum, Civil Society Support Program (CSSP), and advisory roles with SPO & WAYS — amplifying marginalized voices at policy level.
True leadership is not about position or title — it is about how many lives you touched, how many doors you opened, and how many people you lifted when they had no one else.
— Ms. Waheeda Mahesar, Executive Director SZABIST ZABTech
Whether for speaking engagements, TVET partnerships, collaboration on workforce development initiatives, governance advisory, or media — Ms. Mahesar welcomes purposeful connections.
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