ISLAMABAD
\nExperts at the Devcom-Pakistan conference titled \u201cDigital Futures\u20192025: Bridging the Gender Divide for Women\u2019s Empowerment in Pakistan\u201d have called for the urgent need to digitally empower women to address the gender divide and strengthen women\u2019s empowerment in Pakistan.
\nThe conference, which coincided with National Women\u2019s Day (February 12) and International Women\u2019s Day (March 8), brought together influential policymakers, activists, and experts to discuss the role of digital technology in advancing gender equality. The conference highlighted critical recommendations aimed at empowering women through digital tools and resources.
\nExperts emphasized the importance of widespread digital literacy programs tailored for women, particularly in rural areas.
\nThese programs should focus on basic technology skills, online safety, and digital entrepreneurship, equipping women with the tools to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
\nAccess to affordable and reliable internet and digital devices is essential for women to participate in the digital economy. Stakeholders recommended that the government and private sector collaborate to improve connectivity in underserved areas, ensuring that women can engage in online education, e-commerce, and other digital platforms. Experts called for the development of policies that promote gender-inclusive digital spaces.
\nThis includes addressing online harassment and discrimination and creating safe environments for women to express themselves and participate in the digital economy.
\nWomen entrepreneurs need targeted support to thrive in the digital economy. The conference advocated for incubators, mentorship programs, and access to funding specifically designed for women-led tech startups and digital businesses.
\nThey said the potential of social media to promote gender equality and women\u2019s empowerment was also discussed. Experts recommended utilizing these platforms for advocacy, awareness campaigns, and community-building, as well as to challenge harmful stereotypes and elevate women\u2019s voices in tech-related fields.
\nThe experts and award winners included Sadaf Asim Abbasi, Riffat Ara Baig, SDPI Gender Expert Ms. Sadia Satti, Chairman Read Pakistan Farrukh Dall, CEO CPAIR & Centre for Climate Diplomacy Amna Munawar Malik, Dr. Farzana Bari, Gender and Parliamentary development Expert, Dr. Ghazala Khan, UNDP Consultant Safe Digital Environment.
\nThe conference was graced by notable dignitaries, including Syeda Amna Batool, Member of National Assembly (MNA) and focal person Prime Minister\u2019s Youth Programme, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, who delivered powerful keynote speeches emphasizing the government\u2019s commitment to bridging the gender divide in digital spaces.
\nAs the Focal Person of the Prime Minister\u2019s Youth Programme, Batool also discussed ongoing initiatives aimed at empowering youth, particularly young women, through digital training and skill development. She said The theme of this conference resonates deeply with the core values of the Prime Minister Youth Programme \u2013 a program that is committed to empowering the youth of Pakistan, especially young women, through access to education, digital platforms, and leadership opportunities.
\nIn Pakistan, we are fortunate to have a young, dynamic population, where over 60% of the population is under the age of 30. Among them, a large percentage are young women, and they are the leaders of tomorrow. Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said We live in an era where technology, particularly digital platforms, has become the great equalizer.
\nBut for women in Pakistan, the gender divide in the digital space is a significant challenge that we must overcome. While digital platforms offer immense potential, women continue to face barriers such as limited access to technology, lack of digital literacy, cultural norms, and gender-based online violence. These barriers not only hinder women\u2019s access to opportunities but also hold back our nation\u2019s potential.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD Experts at the Devcom-Pakistan conference titled \u201cDigital Futures\u20192025: Bridging the Gender Divide for Women\u2019s Empowerment in Pakistan\u201d have called for the urgent need to digitally empower women to address the gender divide and strengthen women\u2019s empowerment in Pakistan. The conference, which coincided with National Women\u2019s Day (February 12) and International Women\u2019s Day (March 8), […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":464432,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-464406","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n