Amir Saeed

Pakistan’s digital economy is advancing with increased women workforce participation, supported by government initiatives to foster skills development, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth across diverse regions.

Pakistan’s digital economy is witnessing a significant transformation, with women now comprising 21% of the workforce in the country’s ICT sector, according to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25. This progress is supported by the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), which manages over 50 software technology parks (STPs) and e-Rozgar centres nationwide.

These state-of-the-art facilities, established under the Establishment of 25 Software Technology Parks and the Prime Minister’s Initiative-Support to IT Startups, Specialised IT Trainings and Venture Capital, are strategically located in both major and secondary cities such as Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Gilgit, Faisalabad, Swat, and Quetta.

The STPs, operating through public-private partnerships, currently provide 24/7 ICT facilities to more than 350 companies, employing 4,600 IT professionals — 21% of whom are women. Further bolstering this momentum, PSEB is set to expand its network by establishing 250 e-Rozgaar centres across Pakistan by FY27, aiming to promote freelancing and entrepreneurship with a target of creating 20,000 jobs.

Fifty of these centres will be operational during FY25, marking a continued commitment to inclusive growth and female participation in the digital economy, as highlighted in the latest economic survey. Speaking to WealthPK, Dr Farhat Saba, Programme Manager at conFIDE, an NGO, emphasised the transformative impact of increasing women participation in Pakistan’s digital economy.

She noted that achieving a 21% share of women in the ICT workforce is a significant achievement, reflecting the effectiveness of government initiatives such as the software technology parks and e-Rozgaar centres.  According to Saba, these platforms provide vital infrastructure and training, creating an environment where women can confidently build careers in technology, entrepreneurship, and freelancing.

She highlighted that women bring diverse perspectives and innovative problem-solving skills essential for driving growth in the rapidly evolving digital sector. “Their involvement fosters creativity and inclusivity within tech organisations, enhancing product development and service quality.” She also pointed out that empowering women in ICT has broader socioeconomic benefits, including poverty alleviation, increased household incomes, and greater gender equality.

Moreover, Saba stressed the need for sustaining this progress by expanding access to digital skills training and mentorship programmes, especially targeting women in secondary cities and rural areas. She urged policymakers and industry leaders to continue investing in women talent, as this will strengthen Pakistan’s global digital competitiveness and contribute to a more equitable and prosperous society.

Credit: INP-WealthPk