Mobile internet gender gap further reduced
Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja during second meeting of the Steering Committee on Digital Gender Inclusion in Islamabad, where a detailed review of the implementation progress of the Digital Gender Inclusion Strategy was conducted, said that building a gender-inclusive digital society is at the heart of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's digital vision.
Highlighting another key success, she shared that under the Prime Minister's Ramadan Package, a pilot project of digital wallets for 800,000 women was successfully executed. She said the initiative had brought visible improvements in financial inclusion and women's empowerment.
Khawaja directed that all sub-committees and departments of the IT Ministry must submit quarterly reports on the implementation of the strategy. 'Our KPIs must be based on outcomes, with clear deadlines for every goal,' she emphasised. She added that increased gender-related budgetary allocations are essential for bringing real change.
'This is not just about policies or meetings. When a woman is empowered, it doesn't just change her life—it transforms the lives of entire families,' she said.
The PTA chairman also participated in the meeting and was commended by the minister as a 'champion of gender inclusivity.' The PTA appreciated the role of the Secretariat and described its performance as exemplary.
Representatives from UNESCO, PTA, GSMA, GDIP, ISOC, EPIC, NCHR, NCSW, Jazz, LUMS, HEC, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, and the Ministry of Federal Education were also present.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
11 hours ago
- Express Tribune
India can't turn off the tap, warns PM
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meets Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the 17th ECO Summit in Khankendi, Azerbaijan. PHOTO: ONLINE Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday urged the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) member states to deepen collaboration in response to the pressing regional and global challenges, particularly climate change and geopolitical instability. Addressing the 17th ECO summit, the prime minister underscored the urgent need for collective action as ECO member states struggle with the severe consequences of climate change, from melting glaciers and desertification to extreme weather events and declining agricultural productivity. "These challenges threaten the food security and livelihoods of millions. Pakistan remains among the top 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change," he said, recalling the catastrophic 2022 floods that displaced over 33 million people in Pakistan. The prime minister also drew attention to what he called the "weaponization of water" by India, referencing New Delhi's violations of the Indus Waters Treaty and the recent ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration. "This violation is completely unacceptable. Indus waters are a lifeline for Pakistan's 240 million people. India's actions amount to aggression." He categorically said that under no circumstances, India could not be allowed to pursue this dangerous path that will amount to an act of aggression against people of Pakistan. Just last week, he said several lives were tragically lost in the affected districts of Pakistan. "Pakistan on its part has undertaken a series of climate related policy initiatives and is aggressively pursuing of 4F plans focusing on resilience, recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction," he added. The prime minister said in this regard Pakistan proposed the development of low emissions corridors and regional disaster resilience system. "A dedicated framework to mobilize climate finance along with regional clean energy corridors and eco-tourism initiatives can further drive inclusive sustainable growth creating green jobs, especially for youth and women and supporting livelihoods," he said. Condemning the Israel's recent strike on Iran, the prime minister called it "unlawful, unjustified and uncalled for," and expressed deep condolences to the Iranian people. "Pakistan strongly condemns this act of Israeli aggression We pray for a speedy recovery of our injured brothers and sisters in Iran." Furthermore, he said the unprovoked and reckless Indian hostility directed towards Pakistan after an unfortunate incident in the Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) was yet another attempt to destabilize regional peace. "The world witnessed the steadfast resolve of our valiant armed forces under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir," the prime minister said. He also appreciated the support and solidarity extended to Pakistan by the brotherly ECO members states in the aftermath of Indian aggression earlier this year. He strongly condemned the Israel's barbarism in Gaza saying, "Pakistan stands firmly against those who perpetrated barbaric act against innocent people anywhere in the world whether in Gaza or IIOJK or Iran". On the economic front, Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need to operationalize long-pending agreements under ECO Vision 2025, especially the ECO Trade Agreement (ECOTA) and transport corridors, connecting member states. He referenced ECO's origins as the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD), a partnership between Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey in the 1960s, as a historic blueprint for present-day integration. "Promotion of trade and investment is key to achieving common goals of regional connectivity, energy security, and economic growth." The prime minister thanked ECO member states for designating Lahore as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2027, inviting all delegates to experience Pakistan's rich cultural heritage. "Lahore, the cultural heart of Pakistan, will enthrall all who visit us. We extend a warm invitation to all member states." Turkish President Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday met with President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the 17th ECO Summit in Khankendi and discussed matters of mutual interest. The two leaders engaged in a comprehensive review of bilateral relations and exchanged views on key regional developments. The two leaders reiterated their resolve and commitment to bringing about a meaningful progress in relations between the two countries, in all important sectors. Both leaders emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation in trade, defense, energy, connectivity, and investment sectors. To this end, the two countries agreed to exchange high level delegations so as to ensure early finalization of the understandings reached between the two leaders. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering commitment to working closely with Turkiye in advancing their shared goals of peace, stability, and sustainable development throughout the region. Iran president Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday met with President of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian wherein he reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering solidarity with the people and Government of Iran. During the meeting held on the sidelines of 17th ECO Summit in Khankendi city of Azerbaijan, the prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan's strong commitment to continue working closely with Iran for peace in the region through dialogue and diplomacy. During the meeting, both leaders reviewed the ongoing bilateral cooperation across all areas and expressed satisfaction over the progress made on decisions taken during their last meeting for further strengthening of Pakistan-Iran relations. The two leaders also discussed the evolving regional situation in the wake of the Israel's illegitimate aggression against Iran. Prime Minister Shehbaz appreciated President Pezeshkian's leadership and lauded Iran's decision to reach a ceasefire during recent crisis. President Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan's strong diplomatic support to Iran, including at the international forums, during the crisis and thanked him for Pakistan's vital role in de-escalating the conflict. The prime minister requested the Iranian President to convey his warm greetings and good wishes to Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei. Azerbaijan president Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the sidelines of Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit in Khankendi, Azerbaijan. During the meeting, the two leaders agreed to enhance their cooperation in the fields of trade and investment while expressing satisfaction over the progress made regarding the investment prospects. Both leaders reiterated their resolve to strengthen the economic partnership, especially Azerbaijan's investment in Pakistan. The prime minister is visiting Azerbaijan to lead Pakistan's delegation in the 17th ECO Summit in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, held on 3-4 July, 2025. On the sidelines of the Summit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a productive bilateral meeting with the President of Azerbaijan where he congratulated him for hosting the 17th ECO Summit in an exemplary manner. The prime minister also conveyed his gratitude to President Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan for the gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation during his recent visit to Lachin, Azerbaijan, from May 27-29, 2025. The prime minister thanked President Ilham on Azerbaijan's steadfast support extended to Pakistan during the recent conflict with India. He stated that Pakistan had also extended consistent support to Azerbaijan in challenging times. The prime minister reaffirmed that the recent interactions between the leadership of both countries had helped in making the relationship ever stronger. He also reiterated his invitation to President Ilham to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.
Business Recorder
12 hours ago
- Business Recorder
SCF launches Women's Green Skills Initiative
HYDERABAD: Sindh Community Foundation (SCF) has launched a groundbreaking initiative to promote women's economic empowerment through green skills training in three climate-vulnerable districts—Thatta, Matiari, and Sanghar—as part of a broader strategy to tackle the escalating impacts of climate-induced poverty. This initiative builds on SCF's commitment to gender-responsive climate adaptation and economic justice. Supported by the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN) under Round 2 of the Asia Gender Equality Fund, the program aims to benefit 3,500 women in cotton-producing and climate-affected areas of Sindh. Over the next two years, 1,800 women will receive training in green skills and off-season livelihood diversification. To address immediate economic vulnerabilities, 350 of the most affected women will also receive seed support—including materials, tools, and tailored business development assistance—to establish small-scale enterprises linked to market opportunities. 'Climate change continues to disproportionately affect women in rural areas, particularly those relying on seasonal work like cotton picking,' said Javed Hussain, Executive Director of SCF. 'This initiative equips women with practical, climate-resilient skills such as sustainable farming, eco-product manufacturing, food preservation, and micro-entrepreneurship, enabling income stability throughout the year.' Hira Arain, Manager for Economic Empowerment at SCF, noted: 'In earlier program phases, SCF trained 1,025 women, resulting in a 30% rise in off-season income. Another 100 women received seed capital to launch successful businesses.' She added that SCF has also integrated literacy education into its approach. 209 women recently completed six-month literacy classes, boosting their confidence, communication, and business management skills. SCF urges government, corporate, and financial stakeholders to streamline access to micro-loans and economic services to help women scale these climate-resilient livelihoods. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
12 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Building collapse in Karachi: NA Speaker expresses sorrow over loss of lives
ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq expressed deep sorrow and regret over residential building collapse in Karachi. The speaker expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of precious lives in the incident. He expressed his heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the deceased. He said that he shares the grief of the bereaved families and prays for the speedy recovery of the injured. The speaker directed the rescue teams to complete relief operations immediately. He said that the injured should be provided with the best medical facilities. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
