Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, said that USF is assisting women, startups, and freelancers in connecting with the digital world adding that USF has completed 161 projects so far, through which digital services have been provided to 37 million people.
She attended an event here today organized by USF on the occasion of ICT Women’s Global Day. In her address, she highlighted the significant role of USF in promoting the IT industry and empowering women. She further stated that this year, USF has been allocated a budget of 23 billion rupees.
She added that women-led tech ventures have also achieved global success. The Federal Minister stated that the “Smartphones for All” policy is in its final stages and efforts are underway to provide internet access to every household. She further added that the internet and smartphones will prove to be helpful for women in acquiring education and digital skills.
The event also mentioned that 4.5 million people are being provided with online freelancing training under the DG Skills program. Shaza Fatima said that the Ministry of IT supports women at all levels and is striving to create an environment of equality.
Expressing concern over the attitude towards women in society, Shaza Fatima urged those who use religion as a basis to hold women back to reconsider their attitudes. She further stated that women play a crucial role in the country’s development.
At the event, USF’s Chief Executive, Chaudhry Mudassar Naveed, reported that tenders for 16 new projects have been issued for 20 districts across the four provinces. Senior officials of the Ministry of IT and Telecom, USF, Parliamentary Secretary Sabeen Ghori, and Member of National Assembly Sharmila Farooqi also attended the event.