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Women at the Forefront of Pakistan’s Digital Transformation
Tech Tales
March 8, 2025
Women in Pakistan face significant systemic barriers to digital access. The National Human Development Report’s (NHDR) Digital Development Index shows that women stand at 0.110 compared to men at 0.202. Nearly half of the female population in Pakistan does not own a mobile phone, and 53.5% require their spouse’s approval to own one, limiting their participation in the digital economy.
Yet, a quiet revolution is unfolding in the bustling streets of Peshawar, the vibrant markets of Lahore, the coastal charm of Karachi, and the peaceful valleys of Muzaffarabad. It is a revolution led by women—determined, resilient, and bold—who are embracing digital tools to build better futures for themselves and their families.
The NHDR 2024 launch spotlighted the inspiring journeys of these women. More than just offering a platform, NHDR 2024 created a space where women could share their inspiring stories of breaking barriers and embracing digital tools to gain financial independence. It also helped them access training, mentorship, and business expansion opportunities.
Turning Challenges into Triumphs
For women in Pakistan, the road to entrepreneurship is often riddled with obstacles—limited mobility, societal restrictions, and financial constraints. But the stories shared during the launch were not about limitations: they were about courage, ingenuity, and the will to thrive.
Peshawar: From Passion to Prosperity
In Peshawar, Aneeta Khan is redefining success through determination and innovation. With a passion for beauty, she commuted daily to Peshawar to learn salon skills, overcoming societal and financial challenges.
Starting with a small home-based setup, she soon realized the power of digital. Using social media, she expanded her reach, attracting more clients and growing her business. Online tutorials and digital tools helped her refine her services, manage bookings, and market her salon effectively.
Today, with the support of her two daughters, Aneeta’s salon is thriving, inspiring other women in her community to pursue their dreams.
“Our mother has shown us that no challenge is too big if you’re willing to fight for your dreams. She used digital tools to build something from nothing, and through her journey, she has taught us the true value of independence and standing on our own feet.” – Aneeta’s daughter.
Lahore: Digital Literacy as a Gateway to Opportunity
In Lahore, the conversation revolved around digital literacy as a gateway to opportunity. This couldn't be truer for Sana Razzaq, founder of KN Himalayan Pink Salt.
During the pandemic, she discovered how countries were thriving by exporting salt. Determined to succeed, she turned to online resources, learning about business processes, company registration, and financial management.
After losing the male figure in her household, she faced gender bias, with clients refusing to work with her. Instead of giving up, she enrolled in an online business planning training. Out of 1,000 applicants, her business plan was selected, opening doors to global markets.
Reflecting on her journey, Sana shared, "The digital world became my greatest strength. It helped me learn, grow, and prove that success isn't defined by gender—it's defined by persistence amidst resistance."
Karachi: Overcoming Silence with Technology
In the heart of Karachi, Zareen Taj is proving that barriers are meant to be broken. Born deaf, she faced bullying in school and struggled with traditional learning. Unable to continue, she turned to jewelry making, a skill that became her refuge and passion.
She launched a Facebook page to showcase her jewelry, but communicating with customers posed a challenge. That's when she discovered Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools that transcribed audio orders into text and even translated them into Urdu.
With technology as her ally, Zareen's business has expanded beyond Pakistan, receiving orders from Oman, Dubai, and the United States. She continues to explore digital tools, learning photography, graphic design, and marketing to strengthen her brand.
"I know that traditional methods don't work anymore," she says. "To grow in this digital age, I must keep learning and evolving by using these digital learning platforms."
Muzaffarabad: Turning Passion into Profession
In Muzaffarabad, creativity met technology as Tuba Majeed, the city's first professional female photographer, shared how digital platforms helped her reach clients beyond cultural and geographical limits.
After graduating, she struggled to find a career path. Photography had always been her passion, but she never saw it as a viable profession.
In 2020, an established photographer offered her a part-time opportunity. As more people began reaching out for work, she realized she lacked the technical skills. She turned to YouTube and online courses, and self-taught her way into the profession. Today, after five years, photography is her full-time career, made possible through digital learning and online exposure.
"The digital world gave me access to skills and opportunities I never thought possible. It turned my passion into a profession and my dreams into reality."
A Future Shaped by Women and Technology
By amplifying the voices of women entrepreneurs, NHDR 2024 highlights the power of digital tools in transforming lives and breaking barriers. It connects women to networks, markets, and mentorship, empowering them to thrive. Most importantly, these stories inspire countless other women to take charge of their own journeys, embrace technology, and pave the way for future generations.
Yet, these achievements also highlight a critical gap: the urgent need for policy interventions to expand digital access for women. Their full participation in the digital economy is not just a matter of individual empowerment—it is a catalyst for community transformation and a driver of macroeconomic growth.
Only by investing in women’s digital inclusion can Pakistan achieve its full potential.
The time to act is now.
Story by:
Shahbano Naushad, Development Policy and Inclusion Analyst, UNDP Pakistan
