Dr. Faiza Abbasi is a distinguished Indian academic, administrator, and editor who has made significant contributions to education, research, and the empowerment of Muslim women. Through her extensive professional work and her commitment to social change, she has become a crucial voice in challenging stereotypes and highlighting the diverse achievements of women in India.
With a formidable career spanning over 12 years at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Dr. Abbasi serves as the Director of the UGC Human Resource Development Centre. Her academic journey began at AMU, where she completed her Master’s and PhD in Wildlife Sciences. This scientific background informs her unique and multidisciplinary approach to teaching and research, which focuses on Environmental Studies and faith-based conservation, particularly for students from Madrassa backgrounds. In addition to her role as Director, she is also the Programme Director for the US Department of State’s Access Program for AMU schools, further demonstrating her leadership in educational administration.
One of Dr. Abbasi’s most impactful roles has been as a co-editor for the “Rising Beyond The Ceiling” (RBTC) publication. Inspired by the opportunity to counter prevailing stereotypes, she joined the initiative to help write a different, more empowering story about Muslim women in India. The RBTC project, founded in 2020, aims to change the narrative by documenting and celebrating the lives of 100 successful Muslim women from Uttar Pradesh across various fields, including science, law, the arts, and business. As an editor, Dr. Abbasi plays a vital role in curating and shaping these inspiring stories, helping to create a powerful resource that provides positive role models and increases the visibility of Muslim women’s contributions to nation-building.
Dr. Abbasi’s influence extends well beyond a single project. She is a prolific author and editor herself, with 15 books in both English and Urdu to her name, and serves on the editorial boards of several peer-reviewed academic journals. Her excellence and dedication have been recognised with numerous prestigious awards. For her work in social service, she received the Governor’s Medal from the Ministry of Youth Affairs. Her academic writing has been honoured with the Best Paper Award by Indian Forester, and her contributions to language and literature were celebrated with the Nishan-e-Urdu Award from the UP Government. She is also an alumna of the prestigious Leadership for Academicians Programme at Ohio State University and Monash University.
Through her multifaceted career, Dr. Faiza Abbasi actively works to overcome societal barriers and create a more inclusive world. She utilises her academic platform and editorial skills not only to educate but also to inspire, ensuring that the diverse accomplishments of Muslim women are recognised, celebrated, and preserved for future generations.