Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment as the Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs addressed the Digital Futures 2025: Bridging the Gender Divide for Women’s Empowerment in Pakistan conference.
During his address, the Minister emphasized the transformative role of technology and digital platforms in bridging gender disparities, empowering women economically, and ensuring equal participation in national development. While digitalization has created new opportunities, many women in Pakistan continue to face barriers, including limited access to technology, lack of digital literacy, cultural restrictions, and online harassment.
Recognizing these challenges, the government has launched several key initiatives to foster women’s inclusion in the digital and maritime industries. Efforts to expand digital literacy and technological inclusion are at the forefront, with initiatives such as the Kamyab Jawan Program and targeted scholarships ensuring young women have access to digital education and skills development. Training programs in collaboration with educational institutions aim to integrate digital literacy at all levels, empowering women to participate fully in the digital economy.
The maritime sector, traditionally male-dominated, is undergoing reforms to create more opportunities for women. The government is offering scholarships in maritime studies, specialized training programs, and career pathways to increase female representation in technical and leadership roles across shipping, logistics, and fisheries. Encouraging women to enter and excel in these industries is vital to fostering an inclusive economic future.
To ensure a safer and more inclusive digital space, the government is also focusing on gender-sensitive policies that promote online safety and reduce cyber threats faced by women. Strengthened protections against digital harassment, equitable access to digital platforms, and dedicated resources for women-led digital enterprises are part of this commitment. Promoting women entrepreneurs in digital and e-commerce spaces is another priority, with financial incentives, mentorship programs, and improved access to funding helping women establish and grow technology-driven businesses.
The Minister emphasized that empowering women is not just a matter of social justice but an essential driver of national economic progress. He called for stronger partnerships between the government, private sector, and civil society to ensure that digital technologies and maritime opportunities become instruments of progress, innovation, and financial independence for women. He further highlighted that the government is committed to removing systemic barriers and ensuring that all women, regardless of background, have the skills, tools, and opportunities to thrive in Pakistan’s digital and economic transformation.
The conference served as a platform for dialogue between policymakers, industry leaders, and development experts on practical solutions to close the gender divide. The Minister concluded with a strong message of commitment, stating that Pakistan must not only bridge the gender gap in the digital and maritime sectors but also empower every woman with the confidence and resources to become a leader, innovator, and entrepreneur.
Pakistan is moving decisively toward a future where gender equity is embedded in its digital and economic policies, paving the way for sustainable and inclusive growth.
