International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of women around the world, and Google is taking this opportunity to highlight its commitment to empowering women in Pakistan. Recognizing the vast potential and aspirations of Pakistani women, Google is working on various initiatives to bridge the digital gap and equip women with the skills and resources they need to succeed.
Pakistan is making strides in female literacy, but gender parity remains a challenge. The low female labor force participation rate, hovering around 22%, indicates a significant gap. Google tackles this by offering programs like the Google Career Certificates, with half the scholarships reserved for women. This program empowers women by providing access to economic opportunities and career paths.
Entrepreneurship is another area where Google fosters inclusion. The Women Founders Circle, a collaboration between Google Cloud and the National Science and Technology Park (NSTP), offers workshops and mentorship specifically for women entrepreneurs in tech. This initiative strengthens the Pakistani startup ecosystem by nurturing female talent.
For aspiring female tech professionals, Google’s Women Techmakers (WTM) program provides a valuable support system. WTM offers events, mentorship opportunities, and advocates for greater diversity in the tech industry. Pakistan boasts seven WTM ambassadors across five major cities, who actively organize events and inspire women in their communities.
Google News Initiative (GNI) also plays a role in empowering women. By partnering with local organizations, GNI offers training programs for young journalists, increasing accessibility of newsrooms for women seeking reporting experience. An inspiring example is Marium Chaudhry, a young Pakistani journalist dedicated to making newsrooms more accessible. GNI partnered with Chaudhry to train 120 students in digital journalism, equipping them with valuable skills and resources.
YouTube is another platform fostering female voices in Pakistan. It empowers women to share their stories, passions, and talents with a global audience. Iqra Kanwal, a prominent Pakistani YouTuber, serves as a role model for aspiring creators. By following her dreams and creating engaging content, Kanwal has built a successful career and inspires countless others. Her story exemplifies the power of YouTube in empowering women and fostering financial independence.
By focusing on upskilling, supporting female entrepreneurs and creators, and promoting diverse voices in media, Google is making a significant contribution to achieving gender equality and building a brighter future for Pakistan.
