Lahore (TDI): In a push for gender equality in the digital economy, UN Women Pakistan, with the support of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), hosted a high-impact session of its Digital Startup Roundtable Series – Women Leading Innovation.
This initiative is part of the broader Digitalization for Women’s Economic Empowerment (D4WEE) project, which aims to bridge the gender digital divide and promote women’s participation in Pakistan’s growing tech and innovation ecosystem.
The Lahore roundtable brought together policymakers, tech leaders, private sector stakeholders, development partners, and young women entrepreneurs for a vibrant exchange of ideas and solutions.
Held in one of Pakistan’s key innovation hubs, the event provided a timely platform for dialogue and collaboration on digital inclusion and women’s entrepreneurship.
It follows successful sessions in Islamabad, Mardan, Multan, and Swabi since the launch of the series in July 2025.
The roundtable featured two major thematic discussions. The first focused on policy and infrastructure, where government officials, academics, and digital experts explored ways to promote gender-responsive digital governance, improve internet accessibility in underserved areas, and design infrastructure that meets the needs of all users.
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The second discussion explored growth pathways for women entrepreneurs, emphasizing the transition from mentorship to sustainable business development.
Key recommendations included expanding access to finance, fostering connections with investors, and integrating women-led startups into national and global supply chains.
“This initiative is about more than just training — it’s about systemic change,” said a UN Women representative at the event. “We are creating pathways for young women to not only enter the digital economy but to lead it.”
KOICA, a long-time development partner in Pakistan, reaffirmed its commitment to promoting gender equality through innovation.
“The D4WEE project is a vital step toward inclusive economic growth,” said a KOICA spokesperson.
“By equipping women aged 18 to 35 with the digital skills and resources they need, we are helping build a future where women are at the forefront of Pakistan’s technological transformation.”
With a growing network of young women entrepreneurs, the D4WEE project continues to strengthen digital inclusion and foster a new generation of tech-savvy female leaders.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
