By Adnan Rafique
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, on Thursday underscored that Pakistan’s economic progress and digital transformation are closely tied to the empowerment and inclusion of women, who constitute nearly half of the country’s population.
Addressing an event, the minister described information technology as a “great equalizer” capable of bridging gender disparities and expanding economic opportunities.
She stressed that no meaningful roadmap for national development can be envisioned without integrating women into all sectors, particularly the digital economy.
Highlighting the policy direction, she said the government is actively promoting women’s participation in the technology sector—traditionally perceived as male-dominated—reflecting growing confidence in women’s leadership and capabilities.
She added that despite social challenges and dual responsibilities at home and work, women in Pakistan are steadily advancing and setting new benchmarks across industries. The minister pointed out that over one million young people have been trained in digital skills over the past two years under initiatives such as DigiSkills.pk and Ignite.
Women currently account for around 36 percent of enrolment in certain programmes, with ongoing efforts to achieve gender parity. She further shared that approximately 300,000 individuals are presently enrolled in DigiSkills programmes, with women’s participation steadily approaching 50 percent.
Similarly, women’s representation in National Incubation Centers has crossed 35 percent, with plans to expand it further. Emphasising the transformative potential of the ICT sector, the minister said digital platforms offer flexible work opportunities, enabling women to overcome traditional barriers through remote employment, entrepreneurship, and online education.
“Technology today is embedded in every aspect of life—from health and education to business and daily activities—and women must fully benefit from this transformation,” she added.
Referring to financial inclusion initiatives, the minister highlighted the government’s move to digitise Ramadan subsidies under the Benazir Income Support Programme. She said the initiative enabled more than 825,000 women to open digital wallets within a month, ensuring transparency, dignity, and ease of access. These women have since carried out nearly two billion transactions, including utility bill payments and everyday purchases. To further support access to digital services, the government, in collaboration with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and telecom operators, has facilitated the provision of free SIM cards to women beneficiaries. The minister said closing the gender gap remains a core policy priority, adding that Pakistan has made significant strides in bringing more women online.
Future initiatives, she said, will focus on expanding digital access, encouraging entrepreneurship, and increasing women’s participation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence.
Drawing on broader social trends, she observed that while women’s global participation in the workforce increased after World War II, they have continued to balance professional responsibilities with household duties. In Pakistan, however, women have consistently demonstrated their potential when provided equal opportunities.
Citing Punjab’s medical education sector, she said that after the abolition of quota systems and the adoption of open merit, women now dominate merit lists in medical colleges, illustrating that disparities are not due to a lack of ability but rather structural barriers.
She also emphasised the importance of visibility and representation, urging women leaders to serve as role models for younger generations. “When young girls see successful women in technology and leadership roles, it reshapes perceptions and inspires them to pursue similar paths,” she said.
