SARIC Rising Tide

quratulain jamil 18 19 Quratulain beams at the SAR100 program Her role today with policy and planning has her making an impact on a national stage. As an Energy Specialist she is an active contributor to the formulation and implementation of a strategic National Electricity Plan that looks ahead to the next five to fifteen years. The plan also includes policies on making the energy sector more attractive and conducive for women engineers. It was the AIT Country Representative in Pakistan who first approached Quratulain about SAR100, and she recalls being amazed by the depth and scope of the program. “The opportunity completely matched what we are working on at the moment and I didn’t hesitate for a second. I realised very quickly that I was competing for a limited number of seats. Which then meant a greater focus on getting my statement of purpose done right. I was among the younger participants selected and attending was one of the best decisions I made last year,” she adds with a smile. “We were given so much at AIT and I really think we must give a lot back. I’ve asked if we can be a part of any training in the future, and actively work toward increasing the number of women in our sector.” The SAR100 program offered Quratulain a global perspective on how other professionals approach fairly similar challenges—and a first- hand look at a unified grid across participating nations, something that her country is already mulling over. truth , in a grain of sand SAR100 increased my confidence. What I have learned— the assignments and modules—they completely link with what I am working on today. We are developing cross-border guidelines at the moment; I am directly applying what I have learned and am sharing that knowledge with our government. I think it is important to add that these guidelines are being developed irrespective of government in place. Our focus is firmly on policy. My colleagues actually approach me for the knowledge I have gained at SAR100, which has really increased my visibility!” It’s a visibility that extends to her town. Now when she goes home, Quratulain laughs, there is a sense of wonder and near disbelief among residents that she’s writing the policies that will impact the way her town accesses and consumes electricity. There’s also time to meet with young students who come around armed with questions on how they too can see the world in a grain of sand.