ISLAMABAD: In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing gender disparities in the technology sector and advancing women’s economic empowerment, the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has signed a project providing a generous funding of USD 8 million to support UN Women’s new project, “Digitalization for Women’s Economic Empowerment.” The project aims to increase digital enablement and innovation among women and girls aged 18 to 35 in Pakistan.
The project marks a milestone in empowering young women economically by leveraging technology. The project adopts a comprehensive approach, focusing on two key strategies: enhancing opportunities in the technology sector and fostering an enabling environment for young women to thrive in technology-related fields such as IT-enabled services, software development, and data analytics.
His Excellency Park Ki-Jun, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan expressed, “The Government of Korea is proud to support initiatives that promote gender equality and economic empowerment. This initiative exemplifies the shared commitment of Pakistan and Korea to harness the potential of technology for inclusive growth. By empowering women in the digital sphere, we can unlock new opportunities and drive progress.”
In expressing gratitude, Lansana Wonneh, UN Women Country Representative in Pakistan, highlighted the critical need for advancing digitalization efforts in Pakistan. He stated, “In a rapidly evolving socio-economic landscape, Digital empowerment stands as a catalyst, offering pathways to gender equality and economic empowerment. By equipping women and girls with digital skills, we not only bridge the digital divide but also unlock vast potential for their socio-economic advancement. This collaboration is a testament to our shared commitment to harnessing the power of technology to empower women and girls across the nation.”
Aligned with SDGs 17, focusing on ‘Partnerships for goals,’ this project will bolster science, technology, and innovation capacities alongside women’s economic empowerment. UN Women Pakistan will collaborate with diverse stakeholders to cultivate an inclusive digital ecosystem.
Je Ho Yeon, Country Director of KOICA, and Fareeha Ummar, UN Women Portfolio Manager, also actively participated in the ceremony, further emphasizing collaboration and dedication towards a common goal can serve as an enabler for developing digital skills, mentorship, and pathways to formal employment, thereby towards advancing women’s empowerment.
