International Conference on Women in Policy Development ICWPD-2026

The 2nd International Conference on Women in Policy Development (ICWPD 2026), themed “Empowering Youth & Advancing Gender Equity in Health and Economic Policy,” serves as a premier global forum for scholars, educators, and policymakers. Hosted by The Begum Nusrat Bhutto Women University (BNBWU), Sukkur, this initiative addresses critical gaps in gender representation in economics, health advocacy, and policy development. By fostering highlevel dialogue, the conference aims to generate sustainable policy reforms and innovative research narratives that empower women and youth on a global scale. This white paper presents the key objectives, major themes, participation guidelines, and anticipated outcomes of ICWPD 2026, highlighting the ongoing need for research and collaboration to strengthen and advance women’s roles in these critical areas.

Despite progress in women’s contributions to economics, health policy, and leadership, significant gender disparities remain, particularly in executive roles, economics, health advocacy, and policy development. ICWPD 2026 aims to address these challenges through research, policy dialogue, and interdisciplinary collaboration to create actionable solutions that promote women’s empowerment and inclusive development. As global challenges intensify, the need for policy frameworks that specifically address the needs of women and youth becomes increasingly critical, forming the core rationale for this conference.

Key concerns that shape the rationale for this conference include:

1. The Gender Gap: Persistent disparities in healthcare and economic representation hinder global development.
2. Youth Leadership: Youth initiatives are increasingly recognized as vital drivers for health and economic policy impact.
3. Social Justice: The need for policies that uphold education, inheritance, and marriage rights within equity-driven growth frameworks.

Through an interdisciplinary approach, the conference will examine how women’s contributions have historically been framed and how new narratives can be fostered to drive positive social transformation.

ICWPD 2026 invites research contributions that align with the following key themes:

1. Empowering Youth Leadership for Policy Impact: Driving transformative changes through youth-led initiatives.
2. Equity in Action: Addressing healthcare disparities and promoting fairness in policy frameworks.
3. Advancing Gender Equality in Policy Development: Championing inclusive health and economic policies.
4. Youth, Women, and Diverse Leadership: Strengthening governance through inclusive representation.
5. Global Collaboration for Policy Transformation: Building cross-border partnerships to reshape global policies.
6. Policy Development for Social Justice: Focusing on education, inheritance, marriage, and growth.
7. Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR): Empowering accessible, culturally responsive, and sustainable rehab for differently abled populations.
8. Gender Equity in Rehabilitation Services: Ensuring equal access and care quality for women in physiotherapy.
9. Sustainable Policy for Economic Growth: Integrating health, equity, and economic strategies aligned with SDGs.

 

By addressing these key themes, ICWPD 2026 seeks to promote academic and practical discussions that influence policy suggestions, institutional reforms, and social change in economics and health policy development

ICWPD 2026 is open to:

• ▪ Researchers & Academics (Professors, Postdoctoral Fellows, PhD Candidates).
• ▪ Students (Undergraduate & Postgraduate Researchers).
• ▪ Industry Professionals (Leaders, Entrepreneurs, Policy Analysts).
• ▪ Independent Scholars & Writers focusing on gender, education, and literature.
• ▪ NGO Representatives & Activists working on women’s rights and gender equity.

Submission & Presentation Guidelines

• ▪ Abstract Submission Deadline: February 28, 2026
• ▪ Full Paper Submission Deadline: March 15, 2026
• ▪ Registration Deadline: March 20, 2026

 

Abstracts (250–300 words) should include:

• ▪ Background, Research Question, and Objectives
• ▪ Methodology, Key Findings, and Policy Implications.
• ▪ Contribution to the Conference Themes

 

Presentation Format:

• ▪ Oral Presentations: 15 minutes + 5 minutes Q&A
• ▪ Poster Presentations: A1 size posters (594mm x 841mm)

All submissions will undergo a double-blind peer review process to ensure academic integrity and relevance.

 

Eligibility Criteria for Participants

Presenters (Authors of Research Papers)
To be eligible as a Presenter, the applicant must:

• ▪ Be a student, researcher, faculty member, industry, or advocacy role related to the conference subject matter.
• ▪ Submit an original research abstract relevant to the conference themes.
• ▪ Follow the prescribed template of the MS PowerPoint Presentation and Full Paper
• ▪ Follow the submission guidelines and meet the deadline for abstracts (February 28, 2026).
• ▪ Be willing to present the research either physically (on-site) or virtually (online).
• ▪ Complete the registration process and payment before March 20, 2026.

Participants (Attendees without Paper Presentations)

To be eligible as a Participant, the applicant must:

• ▪ Be a student, researcher, faculty member, policy-maker, independent scholar, or professional interested in the conference themes.
• ▪ Register for the conference before the deadline (March 20, 2026).
• ▪ Engage in panel discussions, keynote sessions, and networking opportunities.

Ineligibility

Ineligibility for Presenters (Authors of Research Papers)

A presenter will be deemed ineligible if: Failure to Meet Submission Guidelines

• ▪ The abstract or full paper does not align with the conference themes.
• ▪ The prescribed template for the MS PowerPoint presentation and the Full Paper
• ▪ The abstract is poorly written, incomplete, or lacks a clear research objective.
• ▪ The full paper exceeds plagiarism limits (above 20%) or contains uncredited sources.
• ▪ The submission is a duplicate or has been previously published elsewhere.

 

Failure to Submit on Time

• ▪ The author missed the abstract submission deadline (Feb 28, 2026) without prior approval.
• ▪ The full paper must be submitted by March 15, 2026, after abstract acceptance.
• ▪ Payment is not completed by March 20, 2026, despite acceptance.

Failure to Present at the Conference

• ▪ The presenter fails to attend their scheduled session (physically or virtually) without a valid justification.
• ▪ The presenter is found reading directly from slides or paper without engaging the audience.
• ▪ The presenter violates the allocated time limit (15 minutes for oral, poster guidelines for poster presentations).

 

Ineligibility for Participants (Attendees Without Paper Presentation)

A participant will be considered ineligible if:

Failure to Register & Pay Fees

Registration fee is mandatory for all participants; therefore, it must be paid via the prescribed method in a timely manner.

• • Registration is not completed by March 20, 2026.
• • Payment is not received or verified within the deadline. Misrepresentation of Credentials
• • The participant provides false information regarding their affiliation, designation, or identity.
• • Any fraudulent attempts to obtain a participation certificate without attending sessions.

Failure to Meet Attendance Requirements

• • Participants must attend at least two full conference sessions to receive a Certificate of Attendance
• • Virtual participants must stay for the full session they registered for; early exit will result in ineligibility for a certificate.

Conditions for Participation

General Conditions for All Participants

• ▪ Adherence to Deadlines: All submissions and registrations must be completed by the specified dates. Late entries will not be considered.
• ▪ Original Work: Presenters must ensure their research is original and unpublished. Plagiarism above 20% will lead to rejection.
• ▪ Professional Conduct: All participants must maintain academic integrity and professional decorum during sessions.

Attendance Requirement

• • Presenters must be present at their scheduled sessions (virtually or physically).
• • Participants must attend at least two full conference sessions to receive a Certificate of Attendance. Certificate Issuance
• • Presenters will receive a Certificate of Presentation upon successful delivery of their research.
• • In case multiple authors are applying for a presentation, each author completes the registration separately.
• • Participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance only if they meet the required attendance criteria.

National Participants (Presenter & Attendee):

• ▪ Faculty / Researchers: PKR 2500/-
• ▪ Student: PKR 1500/-
• ▪ Professional Industry Representative: 3500/-

International Participants (Presenter & Attendee) :

• ▪ Faculty / Researchers: $70
• ▪ Student: $30
• ▪ Professional Industry Representative: $100

 

Account details for payment

IBAN: PK67ABPA0010086039670030

Account Title: The Begum Nusrat Bhutto Women University.

Bank: Allied Bank LTD

• – Abstract submission deadline: Mar 15, 2026
• – Full paper submission deadline: Mar 25, 2026
• – Conference dates: April 28th and 29th, 2026