ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, emphasized the pivotal role of the Universal Service Fund (USF) in fostering IT development and empowering women across Pakistan. Speaking at the “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation” event, organized by the USF in celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, Khawaja underscored the necessity of gender inclusion for technological advancement and national progress.
USF’s Impact on Digital Inclusion
Khawaja highlighted that the USF has been instrumental in connecting remote areas to digital services, thereby supporting women, startups, freelancers, and social media influencers in accessing new opportunities. Through initiatives like the National Broadband Initiative, the USF has installed 4,400 mobile towers and laid 17,200 kilometers of optical fiber cables, benefiting over 37 million people in underserved regions.
Government Initiatives for Women’s Empowerment
The Minister also noted the government’s efforts to bridge the digital gender divide, including the distribution of 1.2 million laptops to youth under the Prime Minister’s Free Laptop Scheme and online freelance training provided to 4.5 million individuals through the DG Skills programs. These initiatives aim to enhance women’s access to technology and digital skills, fostering their participation in the digital economy.
Future Plans for Digital Gender Inclusion
Looking ahead, Khawaja mentioned the development of the Women Innovation and Startup Empowerment (WISE) Lab, which aims to support at least 20 women-led startups annually and train 200 female micro-entrepreneurs each year across all provinces, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to empower women in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data science. ([IT Minister emphasizes critical role of women in Pakistan’s digital transformation
Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja reaffirmed the government’s commitment to digital gender inclusion, emphasizing that empowering women through technology is essential for Pakistan’s progress in the digital age. The USF’s efforts, coupled with government initiatives, are paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative digital landscape in the country.
