ISLAMABAD — UN Women Pakistan has launched its Digital Startup Roundtable Series in Islamabad, supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), to enhance opportunities for young women in the country’s technology sector. The inaugural session brought together innovators, policymakers, development partners, and aspiring entrepreneurs to discuss the role of digital skills in advancing women’s economic empowerment.
The initiative is part of the Digitalization for Women’s Economic Empowerment (D4WEE) project, which aims to strengthen the participation of women aged 18 to 35 in Pakistan’s digital economy through targeted training, mentorship, and private sector engagement. Implemented in major cities including Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Mardan, Peshawar, and Swabi, the program seeks to bridge the digital divide and create a more inclusive tech landscape.
Opening the roundtable, Jacqui Ketunuti, Deputy Country Representative, UN Women Pakistan, emphasized the urgency of enabling women’s leadership in technology.
“In today’s rapidly evolving digital economy, leaving women behind is not an option,” she said. “We are working towards a future where young women shape the tech landscape, lead innovations, and take their ideas from local to global. But vision alone is not enough — we call on all partners to step up, invest in women, open doors to mentorship, and amplify every voice. Only then can we unlock the full potential of Pakistan’s digital future.”
Sodam Baek, Deputy Country Director, KOICA Pakistan, reiterated KOICA’s long-term commitment to inclusive development.
“KOICA is committed to investing in projects that empower women and promote sustainable development,” he noted. “Our collaboration with UN Women is rooted in our belief that technology, when made accessible and inclusive, can be a powerful equalizer. Through this partnership, we aim to equip young women with the tools they need to succeed in the digital economy.”
Adding a national perspective, Sayyed Ahmad Masud of the National Incubation Centre Islamabad highlighted how women’s participation is key to shaping Pakistan’s future.
“Digital skills are the cornerstone of progress in today’s world. By empowering women to embrace technology, we are not only enabling individual success but also fostering national growth. Women’s participation in the digital sector is vital to Pakistan’s future,” he said.
The event featured two thematic sessions. The first focused on policy and infrastructure, with experts discussing ways to strengthen digital infrastructure, integrate gender-responsive indicators into national e-governance reforms, and expand access in underserved regions. The second session centered on mentorship and market access, exploring strategies to support women-led startups through mentorship, finance, business development services, and international market linkages.
Speakers and participants underscored the critical role of collaborative ecosystems in breaking down barriers for women entrepreneurs. The discussions called for greater commitment from both public and private sector stakeholders to create pathways for women-led businesses to thrive.
By fostering dialogue and offering practical solutions, the Digital Startup Roundtable Series is poised to amplify the voices of women entrepreneurs in Pakistan and strengthen their role in building a more inclusive digital economy.