UN Women Pakistan and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) launched the Digital Startup Roundtable Series in Islamabad on Thursday to empower young women in the technology sector. The initiative, part of the KOICA-funded Digitalization for Women’s Economic Empowerment (D4WEE) project, aims to equip young women with the skills and support they need to thrive in the digital economy.
The roundtable brought together stakeholders including policymakers, experts, development organizations, and aspiring female entrepreneurs. The goal is to leverage technology to advance gender equality and nationwide inclusive development.
Jacqui Ketunuti, Deputy Country Representative at UN Women Pakistan, stressed the importance of women’s inclusion in the rapidly growing digital economy. She underscored the organization’s commitment to helping young women become tech leaders and innovators.
KOICA Pakistan”s Deputy Country Director, Sodam Baek, reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to investing in empowerment programs and sustainable growth initiatives, highlighting technology”s potential as a force for equality when access is inclusive.
The event included two sessions. The first examined policy and infrastructure obstacles hindering women”s digital access. Discussions centered on incorporating gender-sensitive measures into national e-governance changes, bolstering infrastructure, and enhancing digital inclusion in underserved regions.
The second session explored mentorship and market access for female-led startups. Strategies for enhancing business growth, securing funding, and connecting with domestic and global markets were discussed. The vital role of mentorship and ecosystem support for underrepresented women in technology was emphasized.
Sayyed Ahmad Masud from the National Incubation Centre Islamabad underscored the importance of women in shaping Pakistan”s digital economy. He emphasized digital literacy as essential for progress and highlighted women”s participation in the tech industry as crucial for the nation”s future.
The D4WEE project targets young women aged 18 to 35 in Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Mardan, Peshawar, and Swabi. Through training, mentoring, and partnerships with the private sector, the scheme seeks to close the digital gender gap and create equal opportunities for women in Pakistan”s evolving technological landscape.