Islamabad: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, underscored the vital role of women in Pakistan’s digital transformation during her keynote address at Google Pakistan’s HERStory Webinar on International Women’s Day.

According to Press Information Department, Minister Khawaja emphasized the importance of technology in shaping economic, educational, and employment landscapes in Pakistan. She noted the significance of inclusivity in the digital age, describing technology as a crucial equalizer, especially for women. With 68% of Pakistan’s population under 30 and 49% being women, many reside in areas where traditional institutions are inaccessible, making technology essential for educational and financial empowerment.

The minister outlined several government initiatives aimed at reducing the digital gender divide. These efforts include expanding digital access in schools, ensuring internet connectivity and smart classrooms for all 422 schools under Islamabad’s jurisdiction, and increasing women’s access to mobile phones and the internet. The efforts have reduced the gender gap in internet awareness from 16% to 11%.

Additionally, Minister Khawaja highlighted programs promoting women-led startups, noting that 30% of startups in the Ministry of IT and Telecom’s National Incubation Centers are led by women. The government is also providing free digital skills training through the DigiSkills and Women Digital Empowerment programs, enabling thousands of women to engage in freelancing and online entrepreneurship.

She also announced the launch of Pakistan’s first 100% women-led incubation center, aimed at fostering innovation and economic participation. The Prime Minister’s recent initiatives to support women-led small businesses and e-commerce ventures were acknowledged, aiming to remove socio-cultural barriers to women’s economic participation.

In her address, Minister Khawaja stressed the importance of AI and emerging technologies, asserting that AI-enabled individuals will drive future progress rather than replace jobs. Farhan Qureshi, Country Director of Google Pakistan, praised her leadership and expressed pride in her achievements, calling for continued collaboration between Google and the Government of Pakistan to expand digital opportunities for women and enhance the country’s position in freelancing and technology-driven growth.