Gul-e-Mariam is the founder of Rural Development Foundation for Pakistan, a non-profit ,self-funded educational organization. The goal of RDF is to achieve social and economic change through the spreading of knowledge for the disadvantaged population in rural Punjab.
Belonging to an agricultural family her father Nawab Javed Umer Khan is related to Sir Shahnawaz Mamdot, who was instrumental in the creation of Pakistan in 1947 . The first Chief Minister of Punjab, Pakistan was her fore-father Nawab Iftikhar Khan Mamdot.
Early marriage did not hinder Gul-e-Mariam’s academic goals and she completed her education after having two boys. Going back to school for A’levels, then graduating in first division from Punjab University; Masters in Educational leadership and Management from University of management and Technology; earning a gold medal and 3.9 CGPA.
Belonging from a political family, Gul-e-Mariam always had an undying passion for attaining education and promoting literacy, so she started making schools in District Okara and her village Wasawewala . As Director of two non-profit, self funded rural school in District Okara, her role has been to ensure the smooth teaching-learning experience for all stake holders in the school environment and to target maximum learning outcomes for the students.
For the past decade Gul-e-Mariam’s role has been of a mentor, leader, Life Coach and Change Agent for the school teachers, administrative staff and parents, with a mission of promoting high quality education in rural area of District Okara. Expertise in teacher training and introducing ICT in rural schools has been her passion.
The biggest achievement was when one of her rural school students became a Certified Microsoft Professional. A child from a humble background, from a rural school achieved this because he had a platform as RDF school to learn and succeed from. The rural school was given the “Outstanding performance Award” by the Governor Punjab in 2012, bringing the school’s staff and students a sense of immense achievement and pride.
Recognition of her initiative in rural community service in educational field earned her the title of ‘Woman Entrepreneur’ and had the honor to represent Pakistan at the IVLP delegation by U.S State Department in 2014.
Presently, Gul-e-Mariam has started giving leadership and Management coaching and training lectures and seminars in various educational institutes of Lahore, to present best practices in creating a supportive and competitive entrepreneurial environment for women leaders.
Her thesis titled “ Barriers in female educational leadership in rural areas of Pakistan” has been highly appreciated and placed at the UMT repository as specimen paper for future students.
Gul-e-Mariam is a board member of National Curriculum Council of Pakistan , working on the policy making of Single National Curriculum . She is a voice of the rural sector , expressing how skilled education and connecting education to employment is highly important for the future generations of Pakistan.
She is also a board member and trustee of Pakistan Alliance for Girls Education , promoting female literacy and empowerment through economic uplift of women.
As board member of executive council of Pak - US Alumni network , Gul-e-Mariam aims to brings about positive change in the lives of people with collaborative efforts of the prestigious network.
